SEC Filing | CenterPoint Energy, Inc.,

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cnp-20230331

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

__________________

FORM 10-Q


(Mark One)
☑			QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023


☐			TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
			FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM __________________ TO __________________

Commission file number 1-31447

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Texas			74-0694415
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)			(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1111 Louisiana	Houston	Texas	77002
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)			(Zip Code)

(713) 207-1111

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

Commission file number 1-3187

CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Texas			22-3865106
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)			(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1111 Louisiana	Houston	Texas	77002
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)			(Zip Code)

(713) 207-1111

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

Commission file number 1-13265

CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware			76-0511406
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)			(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1111 Louisiana	Houston	Texas	77002
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)			(Zip Code)

(713) 207-1111

Registrant's telephone number, including area code


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Registrant	Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.	Common Stock, $0.01 par value	CNP	The New York Stock Exchange
			NYSE Chicago
CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC	6.95% General Mortgage Bonds due 2033	n/a	The New York Stock Exchange
CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.	6.625% Senior Notes due 2037	n/a	The New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Yes

CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC

Yes

CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.

Yes

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Yes

CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC

Yes

CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.

Yes

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

☐

CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC

☐

CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.

☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Yes

☐

CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC

Yes

☐

CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.

Yes

☐

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers’ classes of common stock as of April 19, 2023:


CenterPoint Energy, Inc.	631,029,243	shares of common stock outstanding, excluding 166 shares held as treasury stock
CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC	1,000	common shares outstanding, all held by Utility Holding, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.	1,000	shares of common stock outstanding, all held by Utility Holding, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. meet the conditions set forth in General Instructions H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and are therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format specified in General Instruction H(2) of Form 10-Q.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements	1
	CenterPoint Energy, Inc. Financial Statements (unaudited)	1




	CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC Financial Statements (unaudited)	7




	CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. Financial Statements (unaudited)	13





	Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements (unaudited)	19
	(1) Background and Basis of Presentation	19
	(2) New Accounting Pronouncements	20
	(3) Divestitures	20
	(4) Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Credit Losses	21
	(5) Employee Benefit Plans	24
	(6) Regulatory Matters	25
	(7) Derivative Instruments	28
	(8) Fair Value Measurements	30
	(9) Goodwill and Other Intangibles	31
	(10) Equity Securities and Indexed Debt Securities (ZENS)	32
	(11) Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt	34
	(12) Income Taxes	36
	(13) Commitments and Contingencies	37
	(14) Earnings Per Share	42
	(15) Reportable Segments	43
	(16) Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	45
	(17) Related Party Transactions	45
	(18) Equity	46
	(19) Leases	47
	(20) Subsequent Events	50
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	51
	Recent Events	51
	Consolidated Results of Operations	52
	Results of Operations by Reportable Segment	53
	Certain Factors Affecting Future Earnings	61
	Liquidity and Capital Resources	61
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	73
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	74

PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	75
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	75

Item 6.	Exhibits	75
	Signatures	79


GLOSSARY
ACE						Affordable Clean Energy

AFSI						Adjusted financial statement income
AFUDC						Allowance for funds used during construction

AMA						Asset Management Agreement
Arevon						Arevon Energy, Inc., which was formed through the combination of Capital Dynamics, Inc.’s U.S. Clean Energy Infrastructure business unit and Arevon Asset Management



ARO						Asset retirement obligation

ARP						Alternative revenue program

ASC						Accounting Standards Codification
Asset Purchase Agreement						Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2021, by and between CERC Corp. and Southern Col Midco

AT&T						AT&T Inc.
AT&T Common						AT&T common stock

Bcf						Billion cubic feet
Board						Board of Directors of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
Bond Companies						Bond Company IV and Restoration Bond Company, each a wholly-owned, bankruptcy remote entity formed solely for the purpose of purchasing and owning transition or system restoration property through the issuance of Securitization Bonds
Bond Company IV						CenterPoint Energy Transition Bond Company IV, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Houston Electric
BTA						Build Transfer Agreement

CAMT						Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax

CARES Act						Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act

CCR						Coal Combustion Residuals


CECA						Clean Energy Cost Adjustment
CEIP						CenterPoint Energy Intrastate Pipelines, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CERC Corp.
CenterPoint Energy						CenterPoint Energy, Inc., and its subsidiaries
CERC						CERC Corp., together with its subsidiaries
CERC Corp.						CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.
CES						CenterPoint Energy Services, Inc. (now known as Symmetry Energy Solutions, LLC), previously a wholly-owned subsidiary of CERC Corp.
Charter Common						Charter Communications, Inc. common stock
CIP						Conservation Improvement Program




CODM						Chief Operating Decision Maker, who is each Registrant’s Chief Operating Executive
Common Stock						CenterPoint Energy, Inc. common stock, par value $0.01 per share
Compensation Committee						Compensation Committee of the Board
COVID-19						Novel coronavirus disease 2019, and any mutations or variants thereof, and related global outbreak that was subsequently declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization

CPCN						Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity
CPP						Clean Power Plan
CSIA						Compliance and System Improvement Adjustment
DCRF						Distribution Cost Recovery Factor
DOC						U.S. Department of Commerce
DRR						Distribution Replacement Rider
DSMA						Demand Side Management Adjustment


ECA						Environmental Cost Adjustment
EDIT						Excess deferred income taxes


GLOSSARY
EECR						Energy Efficiency Cost Recovery
EECRF						Energy Efficiency Cost Recovery Factor
EEFC						Energy Efficiency Funding Component
EEFR						Energy Efficiency Funding Rider












Energy Systems Group						Energy Systems Group, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren
Energy Transfer						Energy Transfer LP, a Delaware limited partnership
Energy Transfer Common Units						Energy Transfer common units, representing limited partner interests in Energy Transfer

Energy Transfer Series G Preferred Units						Energy Transfer Series G Fixed-Rate Reset Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units, representing limited partner interests in Energy Transfer
EPA						Environmental Protection Agency

ERCOT						Electric Reliability Council of Texas
February 2021 Winter Storm Event						The extreme and unprecedented winter weather event in February 2021 (Winter Storm Uri) that resulted in electricity generation supply shortages, including in Texas, and natural gas supply shortages and increased wholesale prices of natural gas in the United States, primarily due to prolonged freezing temperatures
FERC						Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Fitch						Fitch Ratings, Inc.
Form 10-Q						Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q



GHG						Greenhouse gases

GRIP						Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program

GWh						Gigawatt-hours
Houston Electric						CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and its subsidiaries
IAS						International Accounting Standards
IDEM						Indiana Department of Environmental Management
Indiana Electric						Operations of SIGECO’s electric transmission and distribution services, and includes its power generating and wholesale power operations
Indiana Gas						Indiana Gas Company, Inc., formerly a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren, acquired by CERC on June 30, 2022
Indiana North						Gas operations of Indiana Gas
Indiana South						Gas operations of SIGECO
Indiana Utilities						The combination of Indiana Electric, Indiana North and Indiana South


Interim Condensed Financial Statements						Unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and combined notes
IRA						Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

IRP						Integrated Resource Plan
IRS						Internal Revenue Service
IURC						Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission



LIBOR						London Interbank Offered Rate
LLTF						Long Lead Time Facilities which are transmission and distribution facilities that have a lead time of at least six months and would aid in restoring power to Houston Electric’s distribution customers following a widespread power outage under Public Utility Regulatory Act Section 39.918

LPSC						Louisiana Public Service Commission
LTIP						Long-term Incentive Plan

M&DOT						Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated November 1, 1944, between Houston Lighting and Power Company and Chase Bank of Texas, National Association (formerly, South Texas Commercial National Bank of Houston), as Trustee, as amended and supplemented

iii


GLOSSARY
Merger						The merger of Merger Sub with and into Vectren on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, with Vectren continuing as the surviving corporation and as a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
Merger Agreement						Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 21, 2018, among CenterPoint Energy, Vectren and Merger Sub

Merger Sub						Pacer Merger Sub, Inc., an Indiana corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy

MGP						Manufactured gas plant
MISO						Midcontinent Independent System Operator


Moody’s						Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

MPUC						Minnesota Public Utilities Commission

MW						Megawatt
NERC						North American Electric Reliability Corporation



NOx						Oxides of nitrogen
NRG						NRG Energy, Inc.
Oriden						Oriden LLC
Origis						Origis Energy USA Inc.





OUCC						Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor
PFD						Proposal for decision
Posey Solar						Posey Solar, LLC, a special purpose entity



PPA						Power Purchase Agreement
PRPs						Potentially responsible parties
PTCs						Production Tax Credits
PUCO						Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
PUCT						Public Utility Commission of Texas
Railroad Commission						Railroad Commission of Texas
RCRA						Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976
Registrants						CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and CERC, collectively

REP						Retail electric provider
Restoration Bond Company						CenterPoint Energy Restoration Bond Company, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Houston Electric
Restructuring						CERC Corp.’s common control acquisition of Indiana Gas and VEDO from VUH on June 30, 2022

ROE						Return on equity
ROU						Right of use
RRA						Rate Regulation Adjustment
RSP						Rate Stabilization Plan
S&P						S&P Global Ratings
Scope 1 emissions						Direct source of emissions from a company’s operations
Scope 2 emissions						Indirect source of emissions from a company’s energy usage
Scope 3 emissions						Indirect source of emissions from a company’s end-users
SEC						Securities and Exchange Commission

Securitization Bonds						Transition and system restoration bonds
Securitization Subsidiary						SIGECO Securitization I, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of SIGECO
Securitization Subsidiary Securitization Bonds						Securitization Subsidiary’s Series 2023-A Senior Secured Securitization Bonds
Series A Preferred Stock						CenterPoint Energy’s Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share


GLOSSARY
SIGECO						Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren
SOFR						Secured Overnight Financing Rate
Southern Col Midco						Southern Col Midco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an affiliate of Summit Utilities, Inc.
SRC						Sales Reconciliation Component


TBD						To be determined

TCJA						Tax reform legislation informally called the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
TCOS						Transmission Cost of Service
TCRF						Transmission Cost Recovery Factor
TDSIC						Transmission, Distribution and Storage System Improvement Charge
TDU						Transmission and distribution utility
TEEEF						Assets leased or costs incurred as “temporary emergency electric energy facilities” under the Public Utility Regulatory Act Section 39.918, also referred to as mobile generation







Transition Services Agreement						Transition Services Agreement by and between CenterPoint Energy Service Company, LLC and Southern Col Midco
Vectren						Vectren, LLC, which converted its corporate structure from Vectren Corporation to a limited liability company on June 30, 2022, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy as of February 1, 2019
VEDO						Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio, LLC, which converted its corporate structure from Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio, Inc. to a limited liability company on June 13, 2022, formerly a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren, acquired by CERC on June 30, 2022
VIE						Variable interest entity

Vistra Energy Corp.						Texas-based energy company focused on the competitive energy and power generation markets, whose major subsidiaries include Luminant and TXU Energy
VRP						Voluntary Remediation Program
VUH						Vectren Utility Holdings, LLC, which converted its corporate structure from Vectren Utility Holdings, Inc. to a limited liability company on June 30, 2022, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren

WBD Common						Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stock
Winter Storm Elliott						From December 21, to 26, 2022, a historic extratropical cyclone created winter storm conditions, including blizzards, high winds, snowfall and record cold temperatures across the majority of the United States and parts of Canada
ZENS						2.0% Zero-Premium Exchangeable Subordinated Notes due 2029
ZENS-Related Securities						As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, consisted of AT&T Common, Charter Common and WBD Common. As of March 31, 2022, consisted of AT&T Common and Charter Common.
2022 Form 10-K						Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 as filed with the SEC on February 17, 2023

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

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

The Registrants have based their forward-looking statements on management’s beliefs and assumptions based on information reasonably available to management at the time the statements are made. The Registrants caution you that assumptions, beliefs, expectations, intentions and projections about future events may and often do vary materially from actual results. Therefore, the Registrants cannot assure you that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by the Registrants’ forward-looking statements. In this Form 10-Q, unless context requires otherwise, the terms “our,” “we” and “us” are used as abbreviated references to CenterPoint Energy, Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including Houston Electric, CERC and SIGECO.

The following are some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied by the Registrants’ forward-looking statements and apply to all Registrants unless otherwise indicated:

•CenterPoint Energy’s business strategies and strategic initiatives, restructurings, including the Restructuring, joint ventures and acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses, including the completed sale of our Natural Gas businesses in Arkansas and Oklahoma and our exit of the midstream sector, which we cannot assure will have the anticipated benefits to us;

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

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

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

•timely and appropriate rate actions that allow recovery of costs and a reasonable return on investment, including the timing and amount of recovery of Houston Electric’s TEEEF leases;

•economic conditions in regional and national markets, including inflation, interest rates and instability of banking institutions, and their effect on sales, prices and costs;

•weather variations and other natural phenomena, including the impact of severe weather events on operations, capital and legislation such as seen in connection with the February 2021 Winter Storm Event;

•increases in commodity prices;

•volatility in the markets for natural gas as a result of, among other factors, armed conflicts, including the conflict in Ukraine and the related sanctions on certain Russian entities;

•changes in rates of inflation;

•continued disruptions to the global supply chain, including tariffs and other legislation impacting the supply chain, that could prevent CenterPoint Energy from securing the resources needed to, among other things, fully execute on its 10-year capital plan or achieve its net zero and carbon emissions reduction goals;

•non-payment for our services due to financial distress of our customers and the ability of REPs to satisfy their obligations to CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric, including the negative impact on such ability related to adverse economic conditions and severe weather events;

•public health threats, such as COVID-19, and their effect on our 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 behavior relating thereto;

•state and federal legislative and regulatory actions or developments affecting various aspects of our businesses, 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;

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

•tax legislation, including the effects of the CARES Act and the IRA (which includes but is not limited to any potential changes to tax rates, CAMT imposed, tax credits and/or interest deductibility), as well as any changes in tax laws

under the current or future administrations, and uncertainties involving state commissions’ and local municipalities’ regulatory requirements and determinations regarding the treatment of EDIT and our rates;

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

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

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

•local, state and federal legislative and regulatory actions or developments relating to the environment, including, among others, those related to global climate change, air emissions, carbon, waste water discharges and the handling and disposal of CCR that could impact operations, cost recovery of generation plant costs and related assets, and CenterPoint Energy’s net zero and carbon emissions reduction goals;

•the impact of unplanned facility outages or other closures;

•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;

•impacts from CenterPoint Energy’s pension and postretirement benefit plans, such as the investment performance and increases to net periodic costs as a result of plan settlements and changes in discount rates;

•changes in interest rates and their impact on costs of borrowing and the valuation of CenterPoint Energy’s pension benefit obligation;

•commercial bank and financial market conditions, including the current disruptions in the banking industry, our access to capital, the cost of such capital, impacts on our vendors, customers and suppliers, and the results of our financing and refinancing efforts, including availability of funds in the debt capital markets;

•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 risk management activities;

•timely and appropriate regulatory actions, which include actions allowing securitization, for any hurricanes or other severe weather events, or natural disasters or other recovery of costs, including stranded coal generation asset costs;

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

•our 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, and their adoption by consumers;

•the impact of climate change and alternate energy sources on the demand for natural gas and electricity generated or transmitted by us;

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

•the recording of impairment charges;

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

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

•CenterPoint Energy’s ability to execute on its strategy, initiatives, targets and goals, including its net zero and carbon

emissions reduction goals and its operations and maintenance expenditure goals;

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

•the development of new opportunities and the performance of projects undertaken by Energy Systems Group, 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 effect of changes in and application of accounting standards and pronouncements; and

•other factors discussed in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of the Registrants’ combined 2022 Form 10-K, which are incorporated herein by reference, and in other reports that the Registrants file from time to time with the SEC.

You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and the Registrants undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Investors should note that the Registrants announce material financial and other information in SEC filings, press releases and public conference calls. Based on guidance from the SEC, the Registrants may use the Investors section of CenterPoint Energy’s website (www.centerpointenergy.com) to communicate with investors about the Registrants. It is possible that the financial and other information posted there could be deemed to be material information. The information on CenterPoint Energy’s website is not part of this combined Form 10-Q.

vii

Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME

(Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
		2023		2022
		(in millions, except per share amounts)
Revenues:
Utility revenues		$	2,717	$	2,709
Non-utility revenues		62		54
Total		2,779		2,763
Expenses:
Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power		1,078		1,098
Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas		40		35
Operation and maintenance		663		688
Depreciation and amortization		319		318
Taxes other than income taxes		138		147

Total		2,238		2,286
Operating Income		541		477
Other Income (Expense):
Gain (loss) on equity securities		38		(17)
Gain (loss) on indexed debt securities		(39)		106
Gain on sale		—		303
Interest expense and other finance charges		(148)		(153)
Interest expense on Securitization Bonds		(2)		(4)




Other income, net		13		18
Total		(138)		253
Income Before Income Taxes		403		730
Income tax expense		78		199


Net Income		325		531
Income allocated to preferred shareholders		12		13
Income Available to Common Shareholders		$	313	$	518



Basic Earnings Per Common Share		0.50		0.82


Diluted Earnings Per Common Share		$	0.49	$	0.82

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Basic		630		629
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Diluted		633		631

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
			2023		2022
		(in millions)
Net Income			$	325	$	531
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Adjustment to pension and other postretirement plans (net of tax expense (benefit) of $0 and $0)			(1)		1

Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges realized in net income (net of tax of $-0- and $-0-)			—		1


Total			(1)		2
Comprehensive income			324		533
Income allocated to preferred shareholders			12		13
Comprehensive income available to common shareholders			$	312	$	520

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)


	March 31, 2023		December 31, 2022
	(in millions)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents ($110 and $75 related to VIEs, respectively)	$	114	$	74
Investment in equity securities	548		510

Accounts receivable ($18 and $22 related to VIEs, respectively), less allowance for credit losses of $43 and $38, respectively	874		889
Accrued unbilled revenues, less allowance for credit losses of $3 and $4, respectively	398		764

Natural gas and coal inventory	89		241
Materials and supplies	692		635
Non-trading derivative assets	1		10
Taxes receivable	7		20

Regulatory assets	269		1,385
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ($12 and $13 related to VIEs, respectively)	147		171
Total current assets	3,139		4,699
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, plant and equipment	37,851		37,728
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	10,253		10,585
Property, plant and equipment, net	27,598		27,143
Other Assets:
Goodwill	4,294		4,294
Regulatory assets ($199 and $229 related to VIEs, respectively)	2,499		2,193

Non-trading derivative assets	—		2




Other non-current assets	222		215
Total other assets	7,015		6,704
Total Assets	$	37,752	$	38,546

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS – (continued)

(Unaudited)


	March 31, 2023		December 31, 2022
	(in millions, except par value and shares)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	$	500	$	511
Current portion of VIE Securitization Bonds long-term debt	156		156
Indexed debt, net	6		7
Current portion of other long-term debt	57		1,346
Indexed debt securities derivative	617		578
Accounts payable	934		1,352

Taxes accrued	275		298
Interest accrued	152		159
Dividends accrued	—		144
Customer deposits	109		110




Other current liabilities	344		452
Total current liabilities	3,150		5,113
Other Liabilities:
Deferred income taxes, net	3,986		3,986

Benefit obligations	550		547
Regulatory liabilities	3,134		3,245

Other non-current liabilities	793		774
Total other liabilities	8,463		8,552
Long-term Debt:
VIE Securitization Bonds, net	161		161
Other long-term debt, net	15,622		14,675
Total long-term debt, net	15,783		14,836
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)
Temporary Equity (Note 18)	—		3
Shareholders’ Equity:
Cumulative preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 800,000 shares and 800,000 shares outstanding, respectively, $800 and $800 liquidation preference, respectively (Note 18)	790		790
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 631,018,976 shares and 629,535,631 shares outstanding, respectively	6		6
Additional paid-in capital	8,558		8,568
Retained earnings	1,034		709
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(32)		(31)
Total shareholders’ equity	10,356		10,042
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	37,752	$	38,546

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2023		2022
	(in millions)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$	325	$	531


Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	319		318

Deferred income taxes	(13)		28




Gain on divestitures	—		(303)
Loss (gain) on equity securities	(38)		17
Loss (gain) on indexed debt securities	39		(106)



Pension contributions	(2)		(2)
Changes in other assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net	351		(201)

Inventory	95		132
Taxes receivable	13		1
Accounts payable	(323)		(85)

Net regulatory assets and liabilities	1,025		135

Other current assets and liabilities	(86)		82
Other non-current assets and liabilities	6		(25)
Other operating activities, net	2		58


Net cash provided by operating activities	1,713		580
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(1,123)		(846)






Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	—		702
Proceeds from divestitures	—		2,060


Other investing activities, net	(32)		18


Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(1,155)		1,934
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Decrease in short-term borrowings, net	(11)		(43)
Payment of obligation for finance lease	—		(171)
Payments of commercial paper, net	(1,315)		(1,941)
Proceeds from long-term debt and term loans	3,026		792
Payments of long-term debt and term loans, including make-whole premiums	(2,036)		(1,113)




Payment of debt issuance costs	(16)		(8)


Payment of dividends on Common Stock	(120)		(107)
Payment of dividends on Preferred Stock	(24)		(24)





Other financing activities, net	(23)		(6)


Net cash used in financing activities	(519)		(2,621)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	39		(107)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period	91		254
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period	$	130	$	147

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2023		2022
				Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount
			(in millions of dollars and shares, except authorized shares and par value amounts)
Cumulative Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 20,000,000 shares
Balance, beginning of period				1	$	790	1	$	790



Balance, end of period				1	790		1	790
Common Stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 1,000,000,000 shares
Balance, beginning of period				630	6		629	6

Issuances related to benefit and investment plans				1	—		—	—
Balance, end of period				631	6		629	6
Additional Paid-in-Capital
Balance, beginning of period					8,568			8,529

Issuances related to benefit and investment plans					(10)			3

Balance, end of period					8,558			8,532
Retained Earnings
Balance, beginning of period					709			154
Net income					325			531







Balance, end of period					1,034			685
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance, beginning of period					(31)			(64)
Other comprehensive income (loss)					(1)			2
Balance, end of period					(32)			(62)
Total Shareholders’ Equity					$	10,356		$	9,951

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME

(Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
			2023		2022
		(in millions)
Revenues			$	792	$	746
Expenses:
Operation and maintenance			380		395
Depreciation and amortization			159		162
Taxes other than income taxes			64		63
Total			603		620
Operating Income			189		126
Other Income (Expense):
Interest expense and other finance charges			(53)		(48)
Interest expense on Securitization Bonds			(2)		(4)



Other income, net			7		4
Total			(48)		(48)
Income Before Income Taxes			141		78
Income tax expense			33		17
Net Income			$	108	$	61

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
			2023		2022
		(in millions)
Net income			$	108	$	61




Comprehensive income			$	108	$	61

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)


	March 31, 2023		December 31, 2022
	(in millions)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents ($110 and $75 related to VIEs, respectively)	$	112	$	75
Accounts receivable ($18 and $22 related to VIEs, respectively), less allowance for credit losses of $1 and $1, respectively	278		311
Accounts and notes receivable–affiliated companies	322		21
Accrued unbilled revenues	89		142
Materials and supplies	505		471



Prepaid expenses and other current assets ($12 and $13 related to VIEs, respectively)	36		41
Total current assets	1,342		1,061
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, plant and equipment	18,252		17,753
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	4,394		4,292
Property, plant and equipment, net	13,858		13,461
Other Assets:
Regulatory assets ($199 and $229 related to VIEs, respectively)	818		778

Other non-current assets	51		39
Total other assets	869		817
Total Assets	$	16,069	$	15,339

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS – (continued)

(Unaudited)


	March 31, 2023		December 31, 2022
	(in millions)
LIABILITIES AND MEMBER’S EQUITY
Current Liabilities:

Current portion of VIE Securitization Bonds long-term debt	$	156	$	156

Accounts payable	426		413
Accounts and notes payable–affiliated companies	44		755
Taxes accrued	81		150
Interest accrued	80		83

Other current liabilities	68		88
Total current liabilities	855		1,645
Other Liabilities:
Deferred income taxes, net	1,249		1,229
Benefit obligations	38		38
Regulatory liabilities	1,041		1,155

Other non-current liabilities	92		77
Total other liabilities	2,420		2,499
Long-term Debt:
VIE Securitization Bonds, net	161		161
Other long-term debt, net	6,928		6,036
Total long-term debt, net	7,089		6,197
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)
Member’s Equity:
Common stock	—		—
Additional paid-in capital	4,510		3,860
Retained earnings	1,195		1,138

Total member’s equity	5,705		4,998
Total Liabilities and Member’s Equity	$	16,069	$	15,339

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2023		2022
	(in millions)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$	108	$	61
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	159		162
Deferred income taxes	18		9


Changes in other assets and liabilities:
Accounts and notes receivable, net	86		15
Accounts receivable/payable–affiliated companies	(57)		38
Inventory	(34)		(12)
Accounts payable	3		(62)

Net regulatory assets and liabilities	(95)		(75)
Other current assets and liabilities	(90)		(56)
Other non-current assets and liabilities	1		(5)
Other operating activities, net	(5)		(2)
Net cash provided by operating activities	94		73
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(587)		(491)
Increase in notes receivable–affiliated companies	(313)		(354)


Other investing activities, net	(5)		(3)
Net cash used in investing activities	(905)		(848)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:


Proceeds from long-term debt	898		792
Payments of long-term debt	—		(38)
Decrease in notes payable–affiliated companies	(642)		(512)
Dividend to parent	(51)		(37)
Contribution from parent	650		637

Payment of debt issuance costs	(7)		(8)
Payment of obligation for finance lease	—		(171)
Other financing activities, net	(1)		1
Net cash provided by financing activities	847		664
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	36		(111)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period	88		233
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period	$	124	$	122

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2023		2022
				Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount
			(in millions, except share amounts)


Common Stock
Balance, beginning of period				1,000	$	—	1,000	$	—
Balance, end of period				1,000	—		1,000	—
Additional Paid-in-Capital
Balance, beginning of period					3,860			2,678

Contribution from parent					650			675
Other					—			1
Balance, end of period					4,510			3,354
Retained Earnings
Balance, beginning of period					1,138			944
Net income					108			61
Dividend to parent					(51)			(37)
Balance, end of period					1,195			968




Total Member’s Equity					$	5,705		$	4,322

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME

(Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
		2023		2022
		(in millions)
Revenues:
Utility revenues		$	1,707	$	1,754
Non-utility revenues		10		9
Total		1,717		1,763
Expenses:
Utility natural gas		998		1,033
Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas		1		1
Operation and maintenance		218		239
Depreciation and amortization		118		107
Taxes other than income taxes		69		75

Total		1,404		1,455
Operating Income		313		308
Other Income (Expense):
Gain on sale		—		557
Interest expense and other finance charges		(42)		(28)



Other expense, net		1		—
Total		(41)		529
Income Before Income Taxes		272		837
Income tax expense		60		206


Net Income		$	212	$	631

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
		2023		2022
		(in millions)
Net income		$	212	$	631

Adjustment to pension and other postretirement plans (net of tax of $-0- and $-0-)		(1)		—

Other comprehensive loss		(1)		—
Comprehensive income		$	211	$	631

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)


	March 31, 2023		December 31, 2022
	(in millions)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1	$	—
Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses of $39 and $34, respectively	497		463
Accrued unbilled revenues, less allowance for credit losses of $2 and $4, respectively	275		573
Accounts and notes receivable–affiliated companies	63		52
Materials and supplies	115		98
Natural gas inventory	37		195
Non-trading derivative assets	1		7
Taxes receivable	3		12


Regulatory assets	227		1,336
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	40		78
Total current assets	1,259		2,814
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, plant and equipment	14,692		14,379
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	4,049		3,973
Property, plant and equipment, net	10,643		10,406
Other Assets:
Goodwill	1,583		1,583
Regulatory assets	833		844
Non-trading derivative assets	—		2



Other non-current assets	54		55
Total other assets	2,470		2,484
Total Assets	$	14,372	$	15,704

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS – (continued)

(Unaudited)


	March 31, 2023		December 31, 2022
	(in millions)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	$	500	$	511
Current portion of long-term debt	57		1,331
Accounts payable	347		690
Accounts payable–affiliated companies	81		190

Taxes accrued	158		140
Interest accrued	47		50
Customer deposits	94		94


Other current liabilities	153		200
Total current liabilities	1,437		3,206
Other Liabilities:
Deferred income taxes, net	1,292		1,262


Benefit obligations	76		76
Regulatory liabilities	1,810		1,801

Other non–current liabilities	507		501
Total other liabilities	3,685		3,640
Long-Term Debt	3,880		3,495
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)
Stockholder’s Equity:
Common stock	—		—
Additional paid-in capital	3,729		3,729
Retained earnings	1,626		1,618
Accumulated other comprehensive income	15		16
Total stockholder’s equity	5,370		5,363
Total Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity	$	14,372	$	15,704

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2023		2022
	(in millions)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$	212	$	631
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	118		107

Deferred income taxes	21		207

Gain on divestitures	—		(557)
Changes in other assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net	233		(203)
Accounts receivable/payable–affiliated companies	(90)		60
Inventory	141		140

Accounts payable	(289)		(88)



Net regulatory assets and liabilities	1,136		98

Other current assets and liabilities	45		90
Other non-current assets and liabilities	3		(2)
Other operating activities, net	1		1
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,531		484
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(391)		(278)
Increase in notes receivable–affiliated companies	(30)		—

Proceeds from divestiture	—		2,060
Other investing activities, net	(2)		(3)


Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(423)		1,779
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Decrease in short-term borrowings, net	(11)		(43)

Payments of commercial paper, net	(805)		(776)
Proceeds from long-term debt and term loan	1,698		—
Payments of long-term debt and term loan	(1,775)		(425)

Dividends to parent	(204)		(758)
Payment of debt issuance costs	(9)		—

Decrease in notes payable–affiliated companies	—		(270)



Other financing activities, net	(1)		(1)


Net cash used in financing activities	(1,107)		(2,273)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	1		(10)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period	—		15
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period	$	1	$	5

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2023		2022
				Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount
			(in millions, except share amounts)
Common Stock
Balance, beginning of period				1,000	$	—	1,000	$	—
Balance, end of period				1,000	—		1,000	—
Additional Paid-in-Capital
Balance, beginning of period					3,729			4,106
Non-cash contribution from parent					—			54

Contribution to parent for sale of Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses					—			(720)

Balance, end of period					3,729			3,440
Retained Earnings
Balance, beginning of period					1,618			1,017
Net income					212			631
Dividend to parent					(204)			(38)
Balance, end of period					1,626			1,610
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance, beginning of period					16			10
Other comprehensive loss					(1)			—
Balance, end of period					15			10
Total Stockholder’s Equity					$	5,370		$	5,060

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

COMBINED NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1) Background and Basis of Presentation

General. This combined Form 10-Q is filed separately by three registrants: CenterPoint Energy, Inc., CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. Information contained herein relating to any individual registrant is filed by such registrant solely on its own behalf. Each registrant makes no representation as to information relating exclusively to the other Registrants or the subsidiaries of CenterPoint Energy other than itself or its subsidiaries.

Except as discussed in the penultimate paragraph in Note 11 to the Registrants’ Interim Condensed Financial Statements, no registrant has an obligation in respect of any other Registrant’s debt securities, and holders of such debt securities should not consider the financial resources or results of operations of any Registrant other than the obligor in making a decision with respect to such securities.

Included in this combined Form 10-Q are the Interim Condensed Financial Statements of CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and CERC, which are referred to collectively as the Registrants. The Interim Condensed Financial Statements are unaudited, omit certain financial statement disclosures and should be read with the Registrants’ financial statements included in the Registrants’ combined 2022 Form 10-K. The Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements apply to all Registrants and specific references to Houston Electric and CERC herein also pertain to CenterPoint Energy, unless otherwise indicated.

Background. CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is a public utility holding company. CenterPoint Energy completed the Restructuring on June 30, 2022, whereby the equity interests in Indiana Gas and VEDO, both subsidiaries it acquired in its acquisition of Vectren on February 1, 2019, were transferred from VUH to CERC Corp. As a result, Indiana Gas and VEDO became wholly owned subsidiaries of CERC Corp., to better align CenterPoint Energy’s organizational structure with management and financial reporting and to fund future capital investments more efficiently. The Restructuring was a non-cash common control acquisition by CERC. As a result, CERC acquired these businesses at CenterPoint Energy’s historical basis in these entities and prior year amounts were recast to reflect the Restructuring as if it occurred at the earliest period presented for which CenterPoint Energy had common control. The Restructuring did not impact CenterPoint Energy’s carrying basis in any entity, its allocation of goodwill to its reporting units, or its segment presentation. Neither CenterPoint Energy nor CERC recognized any gains or losses in connection with the Restructuring. SIGECO was not acquired by CERC and remains a subsidiary of VUH. IURC and PUCO approvals necessary for the Restructuring were received in December 2021 (IURC) and January 2022 (PUCO).

On January 10, 2022, CERC Corp. completed the sale of its Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses. For additional information, see Note 3.

As of March 31, 2023, CenterPoint Energy’s operating subsidiaries were as follows:

•Houston Electric owns and operates electric transmission and distribution facilities in the Texas gulf coast area that includes the city of Houston;

•CERC Corp. (i) directly owns and operates natural gas distribution systems in Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi and Texas, (ii) indirectly, through Indiana Gas and VEDO, owns and operates natural gas distribution systems in Indiana and Ohio, respectively, and (iii) owns and operates permanent pipeline connections through interconnects with various interstate and intrastate pipeline companies through CEIP;

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

•Energy Systems Group provides energy performance contracting and sustainable infrastructure services, such as renewables, distributed generation and combined heat and power projects.

Table of Contents

As of March 31, 2023, CenterPoint Energy’s reportable segments were Electric, Natural Gas and Corporate and Other. Houston Electric and CERC each consist of a single reportable segment. For a description of CenterPoint Energy’s reportable segments, see Note 15.

As of March 31, 2023, CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric had VIEs consisting of the Bond Companies, which are consolidated. The consolidated VIEs are wholly-owned, bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entities that were formed solely for the purpose of securitizing transition and system restoration-related property. Creditors of CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric have no recourse to any assets or revenues of the Bond Companies. The bonds issued by these VIEs are payable only from and secured by transition and system restoration property, and the bondholders have no recourse to the general credit of CenterPoint Energy or Houston Electric.

Basis of Presentation. The preparation of the Registrants’ financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The Interim Condensed Financial Statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the respective periods. Amounts reported in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income are not necessarily indicative of amounts expected for a full-year period due to the effects of, among other things, (a) seasonal fluctuations in demand for energy, (b) changes in energy commodity prices, (c) timing of maintenance and other expenditures and (d) acquisitions and dispositions of businesses, assets and other interests.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to reflect the impact of the Restructuring.

(2) New Accounting Pronouncements

Management believes that recently adopted standards and recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on the Registrants’ financial position, results of operations or cash flows upon adoption.

(3) Divestitures (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)

Divestiture of Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas Businesses. On April 29, 2021, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement to sell its Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses for $2.15 billion in cash, including recovery of approximately $425 million in natural gas costs, including storm-related incremental natural gas costs associated with the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, subject to certain adjustments set forth in the Asset Purchase Agreement. The assets included 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 closed on January 10, 2022.

The sale was considered an asset sale for tax purposes, requiring net deferred tax liabilities to be excluded from held for sale balances. The deferred taxes associated with the businesses were recognized as a deferred income tax benefit by CenterPoint Energy and CERC upon closing of the sale in 2022.

Although the Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses met the held for sale criteria, their disposals did not represent a strategic shift to CenterPoint Energy and CERC, as both retained significant operations in, and continued to invest in, their natural gas businesses. Therefore, the income and expenses associated with the disposed businesses were not reflected as discontinued operations on CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, as applicable. Since the depreciation on the Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas assets continued to be reflected in revenues through customer rates until the closing of the transaction and will be reflected in the carryover basis of the rate-regulated assets, CenterPoint Energy and CERC continued to record depreciation on those assets through the closing of the transaction. The Registrants record assets and liabilities held for sale at the lower of their carrying value or their estimated fair value less cost to sell.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC recognized gains of $303 million and $557 million, respectively, net of transaction costs of $59 million, in connection with the closing of the disposition of the Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses during the year ended December 31, 2022. CenterPoint Energy and CERC collected a receivable of $15 million in May 2022 for full and final settlement of the working capital adjustment under the Asset Purchase Agreement.

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The pre-tax income for the Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses, excluding interest and corporate allocations, included in CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income is as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 (1)
	(in millions)
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes		$	9

(1)Reflects January 1, 2022 to January 9, 2022 results only due to of the sale of the Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses.

Effective on the date of the closing of the disposition of the Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses, a subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy entered into the Transition Services Agreement, whereby that subsidiary agreed to provide certain transition services such as accounting, customer operations, procurement, and technology functions for a term of up to twelve months. In November 2022, a significant majority of all services under the Transition Services Agreement were terminated, and on January 10, 2023, all remaining services were terminated.

CenterPoint Energy’s charges to Southern Col Midco for reimbursement of transition services were less than $1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and were $9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2022. Actual transitional services costs incurred are recorded net of amounts charged to Southern Col Midco. CenterPoint Energy had accounts receivable from Southern Col Midco of less than $1 million as of March 31, 2023 and $1 million as of December 31, 2022, for transition services.

(4) Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Credit Losses

Revenues from Contracts with Customers

In accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which the Registrants expect to be entitled to receive in exchange for these goods or services.

ARPs are contracts between the utility and its regulators, not between the utility and a customer. The Registrants recognize ARP revenue as other revenues when the regulator-specified conditions for recognition have been met. Upon recovery of ARP revenue through incorporation in rates charged for utility service to customers, ARP revenue is reversed and recorded as revenue from contracts with customers. The recognition of ARP revenues and the reversal of ARP revenues upon recovery through rates charged for utility service may not occur in the same period.

The following tables disaggregate revenues by reportable segment and major source:

CenterPoint Energy











	Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
	Electric		Natural Gas		Corporate and Other		Total
	(in millions)
Revenue from contracts	$	958	$	1,752	$	51	$	2,761
Other (1)	(6)		23		1		18

Total revenues	$	952	$	1,775	$	52	$	2,779










	Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
	Electric		Natural Gas		Corporate and Other		Total
	(in millions)
Revenue from contracts	$	898	$	1,845	$	45	$	2,788
Other (1)	(5)		(21)		1		(25)

Total revenues	$	893	$	1,824	$	46	$	2,763

(1)Primarily consists of income from ARPs and leases. Total lease income was $2 million and $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

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Houston Electric


	Three Months Ended March 31,
			2023		2022
		(in millions)
Revenue from contracts			$	803	$	756
Other (1)			(11)		(10)
Total revenues			$	792	$	746

(1)Primarily consists of income from ARPs and leases. Lease income was not significant for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.

CERC


	Three Months Ended March 31,
			2023		2022
		(in millions)
Revenue from contracts			$	1,700	$	1,785
Other (1)			17		(22)

Total revenues			$	1,717	$	1,763

(1)Primarily consists of income from ARPs and leases. Lease income was not significant for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.

Revenues from Contracts with Customers

Electric (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric). Houston Electric distributes electricity to customers over time, and customers consume the electricity when delivered. Indiana Electric generates, transmits and distributes electricity to customers over time, and customers consume the electricity when delivered. Revenue, consisting of both volumetric and fixed tariff rates set by state regulators, such as the PUCT and the IURC, is recognized as electricity is delivered and represents amounts both billed and unbilled. Discretionary services requested by customers are provided at a point in time with control transferring upon the completion of the service. Revenue for discretionary services provided by Houston Electric is recognized upon completion of service based on the tariff rates set by the PUCT. Payments for electricity distribution and discretionary services are aggregated and received on a monthly basis. Houston Electric performs transmission services over time as a stand-ready obligation to provide a reliable network of transmission systems. Revenue is recognized upon time elapsed, and the monthly tariff rate set by the regulator. Payments are received on a monthly basis. Indiana Electric customers are billed monthly and payment terms, set by the regulator, require payment within a month of billing.

Natural Gas (CenterPoint Energy and CERC). CenterPoint Energy and CERC distribute and transport natural gas to customers over time, and customers consume the natural gas when delivered. Revenue, consisting of both volumetric and fixed tariff rates set by the state governing agency for that service area, is recognized as natural gas is delivered and represents amounts both billed and unbilled. Discretionary services requested by the customer are satisfied at a point in time and revenue is recognized upon completion of service and the tariff rates set by the applicable state regulator. Payments of natural gas distribution, transportation and discretionary services are aggregated and received on a monthly basis.

Contract Balances. When the timing of delivery of service is different from the timing of the payments made by customers and when the right to consideration is conditioned on something other than the passage of time, the Registrants recognize either a contract asset (performance precedes billing) or a contract liability (customer payment precedes performance). Those customers that prepay are represented by contract liabilities until the performance obligations are satisfied. The Registrants’ contract assets are included in Accrued unbilled revenues in their Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of March 31, 2023, CenterPoint Energy’s contract assets primarily relate to Energy Systems Group contracts where revenue is recognized using the input method. The Registrants’ contract liabilities are included in Accounts payable and Other current liabilities in their Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. On an aggregate basis as of March 31, 2023, CenterPoint Energy’s contract liabilities primarily relate to Energy Systems Group contracts where revenue is recognized using the input method.

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The opening and closing balances of accounts receivable, other accrued unbilled revenue, contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers are as follows:

CenterPoint Energy


	Accounts Receivable		Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues		Contract Assets		Contract Liabilities
	(in millions)
Opening balance as of December 31, 2022	$	858	$	764	$	4	$	45
Closing balance as of March 31, 2023	837		398		4		56
Increase (decrease)	$	(21)	$	(366)	$	—	$	11

The amount of revenue recognized during the three-month period ended March 31, 2023 that was included in the opening contract liability was $21 million. The difference between the opening and closing balances of the contract liabilities primarily results from the timing difference between CenterPoint Energy’s performance and the customer’s payment.

Houston Electric


	Accounts Receivable		Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues		Contract Liabilities
	(in millions)
Opening balance as of December 31, 2022	$	271	$	142	$	2
Closing balance as of March 31, 2023	240		89		3
Increase (decrease)	$	(31)	$	(53)	$	1

The amount of revenue recognized during the three-month period ended March 31, 2023 that was included in the opening contract liability was $1 million. The difference between the opening and closing balances of the contract liabilities primarily results from the timing difference between Houston Electric’s performance and the customer’s payment.

CERC


	Accounts Receivable		Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues
	(in millions)
Opening balance as of December 31, 2022	$	478	$	573
Closing balance as of March 31, 2023	509		275
Increase (decrease)	$	31	$	(298)

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

Remaining Performance Obligations (CenterPoint Energy). The table below discloses (1) the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) as of the end of the reporting period for contracts and (2) when CenterPoint Energy expects to recognize this revenue. Such contracts include energy performance and sustainable infrastructure services contracts of Energy Systems Group, which are included in Corporate and Other.


	Rolling 12 Months		Thereafter		Total
	(in millions)
Revenue expected to be recognized on contracts in place as of March 31, 2023:

Corporate and Other	$	282	$	535	$	817
	$	282	$	535	$	817

Practical Expedients and Exemption. Sales taxes and other similar taxes collected from customers are excluded from the transaction price. For contracts for which revenue from the satisfaction of the performance obligations is recognized in the amount invoiced, the practical expedient was elected and revenue expected to be recognized on these contracts has not been disclosed.

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Allowance for Credit Losses

CenterPoint Energy and CERC segregate financial assets that fall under the scope of Topic 326, primarily trade receivables due in one year or less, into portfolio segments based on shared risk characteristics, such as geographical location and regulatory environment, for evaluation of expected credit losses. Historical and current information, such as average write-offs, are applied to each portfolio segment to estimate the allowance for losses on uncollectible receivables. Additionally, the allowance for losses on uncollectible receivables is adjusted for reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions, which can include changing weather, commodity prices, regulations, and macroeconomic factors, among others. Houston Electric had no material changes in its methodology to recognize losses on financial assets that fall under the scope of Topic 326, primarily due to the nature of its customers and regulatory environment. For a discussion of regulatory deferrals, including those related to COVID-19, see Note 6.

(5) Employee Benefit Plans

The Registrants’ net periodic cost, before considering amounts subject to overhead allocations for capital expenditure projects or for amounts subject to deferral for regulatory purposes, includes the following components relating to pension and postretirement benefits:

Pension Benefits (CenterPoint Energy)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
			2023		2022
		(in millions)
Service cost (1)			$	6	$	8
Interest cost (2)			19		15
Expected return on plan assets (2)			(19)		(25)

Amortization of net loss (2)			7		7
Settlement cost (benefit) (2) (3)			1		—

Net periodic cost			$	14	$	5

(1)Amounts presented in the table above are included in Operation and maintenance expense in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, net of amounts capitalized and regulatory deferrals.

(2)Amounts presented in the table above are included in Other income, net in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, net of regulatory deferrals.

(3)Amounts presented represent a one-time, non-cash settlement cost (benefit), prior to regulatory deferrals, which are required when the total lump sum distributions or other settlements of plan benefit obligations during a plan year exceed the service cost and interest cost components of the net periodic cost for that year.

Postretirement Benefits

















	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2023						2022
	CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC		CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC
	(in millions)
Service cost (1)	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1	$	—	$	—
Interest cost (2)	3		1		1		2		1		1
Expected return on plan assets (2)	(1)		(1)		—		(1)		(1)		—
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (2)	—		(1)		1		(1)		(1)		—
Amortization of net loss (2)	(2)		(1)		(1)		(1)		(1)		—




Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	—	$	(2)	$	1	$	—	$	(2)	$	1

(1)Amounts presented in the tables above are included in Operation and maintenance expense in each of the Registrants’ respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, net of amounts capitalized and regulatory deferrals.

(2)Amounts presented in the tables above are included in Other income (expense), net in each of the Registrants’ respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, net of regulatory deferrals.

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The table below reflects the expected minimum contributions to be made to the pension and postretirement benefit plans during 2023:


	CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC
	(in millions)
Expected minimum contribution to pension plans during 2023	$	7	$	—	$	—
Expected minimum contribution to postretirement benefit plans in 2023	8		1		4

The table below reflects the contributions made to the pension and postretirement benefit plans:


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
			CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC
		(in millions)
Pension plans			$	2	$	—	$	—
Postretirement benefit plans			2		—		1

(6) Regulatory Matters

Equity Return

The Registrants are at times allowed by a regulator to defer an equity return as part of the recoverable carrying costs of a regulatory asset. A deferred equity return is capitalized for rate-making purposes, but it is not included in the Registrant’s regulatory assets on its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The allowed equity return is recognized in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income as it is recovered in rates. The recoverable allowed equity return not yet recognized by the Registrants is as follows:


	March 31, 2023						December 31, 2022
	CenterPoint Energy (1)		Houston Electric (2)		CERC (3)		CenterPoint Energy (1)		Houston Electric (2)		CERC (3)
	(in millions)
Allowed equity return not recognized	$	169	$	90	$	58	$	188	$	82	$	54

(1)In addition to the amounts described in (2) and (3) below, represents CenterPoint Energy’s allowed equity return on post in-service carrying cost generally associated with investments at SIGECO.

(2)Represents Houston Electric’s allowed equity return on its true-up balance of stranded costs, other changes and related interest resulting from the formerly integrated electric utilities prior to Texas deregulation to be recovered in rates through 2024 and certain storm restoration, TEEEF and LLTF balances pending recovery in the next rate proceeding. The actual amounts recognized are adjusted at least annually to correct any over-collections or under-collections during the preceding 12 months.

(3)CERC’s allowed equity return on post in-service carrying cost associated with certain distribution facilities replacements expenditures in Texas and costs associated with investments in Indiana.

The table below reflects the amount of allowed equity return recognized by each Registrant in its Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2023						2022
	CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC		CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC
	(in millions)
Allowed equity return recognized	$	8	$	7	$	1	$	10	$	9	$	1

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February 2021 Winter Storm Event

In February 2021, certain of the Registrants’ jurisdictions experienced an extreme and unprecedented winter weather event that resulted in prolonged freezing temperatures, which impacted their businesses. The February 2021 Winter Storm Event impacted wholesale prices of CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s natural gas purchases and their ability to serve customers in their Natural Gas service territories, including due to the reduction in available natural gas capacity and impacts to CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s natural gas supply portfolio activities, and the effects of weather on their systems and their ability to transport natural gas, among other things. The overall natural gas market, including the markets from which CenterPoint Energy and CERC sourced a significant portion of their natural gas for their operations, experienced significant impacts caused by the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, resulting in extraordinary increases in the cost of natural gas purchased by CenterPoint Energy and CERC of approximately $2 billion. CenterPoint Energy and CERC have completed recovery of natural gas costs in Mississippi, Indiana and Texas discussed further below, and continue to recover the natural gas cost in Louisiana and Minnesota. As of March 31, 2023, CenterPoint Energy and CERC have each recorded current regulatory assets of $102 million and non-current regulatory assets of $161 million associated with the February 2021 Winter Storm Event. As of December 31, 2022, CenterPoint Energy and CERC have each recorded current regulatory assets of $1,175 million and non-current regulatory assets of $202 million associated with the February 2021 Winter Storm Event.

In Minnesota, the MPUC issued its written order on October 19, 2022 disallowing CERC’s recovery of approximately $36 million of the $409 million incurred, and CERC’s regulatory asset balance was reduced to reflect the disallowance. CERC filed a petition for reconsideration on November 8, 2022 and a written order denying the petition for reconsideration was issued on January 6, 2023.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC have approximately $75 million of the total $2 billion of natural gas costs incurred during the February 2021 Winter Storm Event remaining under prudence review. Recovery of natural gas costs within the regulatory assets as of March 31, 2023 are probable and may be subject to customary regulatory prudence reviews in all jurisdictions, which may impact the amounts ultimately recovered.

As of both March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, as authorized by the PUCT, both CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric recorded a regulatory asset of $8 million for bad debt expenses resulting from REPs’ default on their obligation to pay delivery charges to Houston Electric net of collateral. Additionally, both CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric recorded a regulatory asset of $16 million as of both March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, to defer operations and maintenance costs associated with the February 2021 Winter Storm Event.

See Note 13(c) for further information regarding litigation related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event.

Texas Public Securitization. In 2022, CenterPoint Energy and CERC received approval to recover CERC’s natural gas costs related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event in Texas through the state’s public securitization program. The Texas Natural Gas Securitization Finance Corporation issued customer rate relief bonds in March 2023, and on March 23, 2023, CenterPoint Energy and CERC, collectively, received approximately $1.1 billion in cash proceeds from the state’s customer rate relief bonds. The proceeds from the state’s customer rate relief bonds included carrying costs incurred through August 2022. Incremental carrying costs incurred after August 2022 until the date the proceeds were received are recorded in a separate regulatory asset to be included for recovery in a subsequent rate proceeding. As CenterPoint Energy and CERC have no future financial obligations for the repayment of the state’s customer rate relief bonds, the customer rate relief bonds are not recorded on CenterPoint Energy’s or CERC’s balance sheets. The $1.1 billion in cash proceeds from the customer rate relief bonds is considered to be a government grant. The state’s customer rate relief bonds are backed in part by customer rate relief property, including customer rate relief charges, which are nonbypassable uniform monthly volumetric charges to be paid by all existing and future customers as a component of each regulated utility’s gas cost or in another manner that the Railroad Commission determines reasonable, separate from their base rate. CERC only acts as a collection agent, whose duties include management, servicing and administration of a portion of the customer rate relief property which is associated with the customer rate relief charge imposed on customers of CERC under the guidance and direction from the Railroad Commission. The Texas Natural Gas Securitization Finance Corporation, and not CenterPoint Energy or CERC, is the owner of the customer rate relief property. The assets of the Texas Natural Gas Securitization Finance Corporation are not available to pay creditors of CenterPoint Energy, CERC, or their affiliates. While the customer rate relief charges will be included by CERC in their monthly billings, the billing amount is established by the Railroad Commission. CERC will remit all customer rate relief charges to the financing entity set up by the Railroad Commission. Therefore, collection and service to repay the state’s customer rate relief bonds have no impact on the respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income of CenterPoint Energy or CERC.

As U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have no specific accounting guidance for government grants or assistance, the cash proceeds from the state’s customer rate relief bonds were accounted for as a government grant by analogy to the grant model under IAS 20—Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosures of Government Assistance. CenterPoint Energy and CERC reflect the proceeds from the grant as a deduction to natural gas costs and recognized the $1.1 billion of cash

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proceeds from the state’s customer rate relief bonds within Utility natural gas expense on their respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, net of the recognition of natural gas cost related to relieving CenterPoint Energy and CERC’s regulatory assets related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event.

Indiana Electric Securitization of Planned Generation Retirements (CenterPoint Energy)

The State of Indiana has enacted legislation, Senate Bill 386, that allows CenterPoint Energy to request approval from the IURC to securitize the remaining book value and removal costs associated with certain generating facilities not more than twenty-four months before the unit is retired. The Governor of Indiana signed the legislation on April 19, 2021. On May 10, 2022, CenterPoint Energy (Indiana Electric) filed an application with the IURC to securitize qualified costs associated with its planned retirements of coal generation facilities. Total qualified costs were estimated at $360 million, of which $350 million would be financed and $10 million are estimated total ongoing costs. A hearing was held before the IURC on September 7, 2022 and an order was issued by the IURC on January 4, 2023 authorizing the issuance of up to $350 million in securitization bonds. Accordingly, CenterPoint Energy determined that the retirement of property, plant and equipment became probable upon the issuance of the order. No loss on abandonment was recognized in connection with issuance of the order as there was no disallowance of all or part of the cost of the abandoned property, plant and equipment. CenterPoint Energy reclassified property, plant and equipment of $257 million to be recovered through securitization to a regulatory asset during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and such amounts will continue to earn a full return until recovered through securitization. The amount remaining in property, plant and equipment as of March 31, 2023 is the difference in the net book value of the property, plant and equipment between the issuance of the order and the anticipated securitization bond issuance date, and is essentially the estimated depreciation during that period.

On March 24, 2023, SIGECO and the Securitization Subsidiary filed a registration statement on Form SF-1 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with the SEC registering the public offering and sale of up to $350 million aggregate principal amount of the Securitization Subsidiary Securitization Bonds. The registration statement has not yet become effective, and the Securitization Subsidiary Securitization Bonds may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. The Securitization Subsidiary Securitization Bonds will not be obligations of SIGECO or any of its affiliates other than the Securitization Subsidiary. The Securitization Subsidiary Securitization Bonds will not be secured by SIGECO first mortgage bonds, and SIGECO’s rights, titles, and interest in and under the IURC Order, which provides authority to issue the Securitization Subsidiary Securitization Bonds and to impose, collect and receive securitization charges from SIGECO’s electric customers as well as to obtain periodic adjustments to such securitization charges, are not subject to the lien of SIGECO mortgage indenture.

Houston Electric TEEEF

Houston Electric continues to review the effects of legislation passed in 2021 and is working with the PUCT regarding proposed rulemakings and pursuing implementation of these items where applicable. For example, pursuant to legislation passed in 2021, Houston Electric entered into two leases for TEEEF (mobile generation) which are detailed in Note 19. Houston Electric initially sought recovery of the 2021 lease costs for the TEEEF and the 2021 operational costs for transportation, mobilization and demobilization, labor and materials for interconnections, fuel for commissioning, testing and operation, purchase and lease of auxiliary equipment, and labor and materials for operations in its DCRF application filed with the PUCT on April 5, 2022, and subsequently amended on July 1, 2022, to show mobile generation in a separate Rider TEEEF, seeking recovery of deferred costs and the applicable return as of December 31, 2021 under these lease agreements of approximately $200 million. The annual revenue increase requested for these lease agreements was approximately $57 million. On October 13, 2022, the PUCT staff filed a statement of position recommending a longer amortization period for the short-term lease, deferral of associated rate case expenses to the next base rate proceeding and exclusion of the retail transmission rate class from allocation of TEEEF costs. Lengthening the amortization period for the short-term lease would reduce the revenue requirement to $39 million. Houston Electric indicated to the PUCT staff that it did not oppose their recommendations. On January 27, 2023, the administrative law judges issued a proposal for decision recommending that the PUCT deny recovery of all of the costs related to TEEEF-related investments in 2021. On March 9, 2023, PUCT reversed, in part, the proposal for decision and verbally approved the recovery of all TEEEF costs included in the DCRF application. A final order was issued on April 5, 2023 approving a revenue requirement of $39 million. On April 5, 2023, Houston Electric filed its second TEEEF filing requesting recovery of TEEEF related costs incurred through December 31, 2022. Houston Electric is requesting a total revenue requirement of approximately $188 million.

Houston Electric defers costs associated with the short-term and long-term leases that are probable of recovery and would otherwise be charged to expense in a regulatory asset, including allowed returns, and determined that such regulatory assets remain probable of recovery as of March 31, 2023. Right of use finance lease assets, such as assets acquired under the long-term leases, are evaluated for impairment under the long-lived asset impairment model by assessing if a capital disallowance from a regulator is probable through monitoring the outcome of rate cases and other proceedings. Houston Electric continues to

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monitor the on-going proceedings and has not recorded any impairments on its right of use assets in the year ended December 31, 2022 or the three months ended March 31, 2023. See Note 19 for further information.

COVID-19 Regulatory Matters

Regulatory commissions in Indiana Electric’s and CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas service territories have either (1) issued orders to record a regulatory asset for incremental bad debt expenses related to COVID-19, including costs associated with the suspension of disconnections and payment plans, or (2) provided authority to recover bad debt expense through an existing tracking mechanism. Both CenterPoint Energy and CERC have recorded estimated incremental uncollectible receivables to the associated regulatory asset of $17 million as of both March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Both CenterPoint Energy and CERC have $8 million remaining to recover through rates and other sources as of March 31, 2023 and $11 million and $10 million remaining to recover through rates and other sources as of December 31, 2022, respectively.

(7) Derivative Instruments

The Registrants are exposed to various market risks. These risks arise from transactions entered into in the normal course of business. The Registrants utilize derivative instruments such as swaps and options to mitigate the impact of changes in commodity prices, weather and interest rates on operating results and cash flows.

(a)Non-Trading Activities

Commodity Derivative Instruments (CenterPoint Energy and CERC). CenterPoint Energy and CERC, through the Indiana Utilities they respectively own, enter into certain derivative instruments to mitigate the effects of commodity price movements. Outstanding derivative instruments designated as economic hedges at the Indiana Utilities hedge long-term variable rate natural gas purchases. The Indiana Utilities have authority to refund and recover mark-to-market gains and losses associated with hedging natural gas purchases, and thus the gains and losses on derivatives are deferred in a regulatory liability or asset. All other financial instruments do not qualify or are not designated as cash flow or fair value hedges.

Interest Rate Risk Derivative Instruments. From time to time, the Registrants may enter into interest rate derivatives that are designated as economic or cash flow hedges. The objective of these hedges is to offset risk associated with interest rates borne by the Registrants in connection with an anticipated future fixed rate debt offering or other exposure to variable rate debt. The Indiana Utilities have authority to refund and recover mark-to-market gains and losses associated with hedging financing activity, and thus the gains and losses on derivatives are deferred in a regulatory liability or asset.

The table below summarizes CenterPoint Energy’s outstanding interest rate hedging activity:


	March 31, 2023		December 31, 2022
Hedging Classification	Notional Principal

	(in millions)
Economic hedge (1)	$	84	$	84

(1)Relates to interest rate derivative instruments at SIGECO. On June 13, 2022, SIGECO amended the LIBOR interest rate swaps to adjust the termination date to May 1, 2023.

Weather Normalization (CenterPoint Energy and CERC). CenterPoint Energy and CERC have weather normalization or other rate mechanisms that largely mitigate the impact of weather on Natural Gas in Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Minnesota and Ohio, as applicable. CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas in Texas and CenterPoint Energy’s electric operations in Texas and Indiana do not have such mechanisms, although fixed customer charges are historically higher in Texas for Natural Gas compared to its other jurisdictions. As a result, fluctuations from normal weather may have a positive or negative effect on CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas’ results in Texas and on CenterPoint Energy’s electric operations’ results in its Texas and Indiana service territories. The Registrants do not currently enter into weather hedges.

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(b)Derivative Fair Values and Income Statement Impacts (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)

The following tables present information about derivative instruments and hedging activities. The first table provides a balance sheet overview of derivative assets and liabilities, while the last table provides a breakdown of the related income statement impacts.

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments and Hedged Items

CenterPoint Energy


		March 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
	Balance Sheet Location	Derivative Assets Fair Value		Derivative Liabilities Fair Value		Derivative Assets Fair Value		Derivative Liabilities Fair Value




Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:		(in millions)
Natural gas derivatives (1)	Current Assets: Non-trading derivative assets	$	1	$	—	$	9	$	—
Natural gas derivatives (1)	Other Assets: Non-trading derivative assets	—		—		2		—

Interest rate derivatives	Current Assets: Non-trading derivative assets	—		—		1		—



Indexed debt securities derivative (2)	Current Liabilities	—		617		—		578

Total		$	1	$	617	$	12	$	578

CERC


		March 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
	Balance Sheet Location	Derivative Assets Fair Value		Derivative Liabilities Fair Value		Derivative Assets Fair Value		Derivative Liabilities Fair Value




Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:		(in millions)
Natural gas derivatives (1)	Current Assets: Non-trading derivative assets	$	1	$	—	$	7	$	—
Natural gas derivatives (1)	Other Assets: Non-trading derivative assets	—		—		2		—






Total		$	1	$	—	$	9	$	—

(1)Natural gas contracts are subject to master netting arrangements. This netting applies to all undisputed amounts due or past due. However, the mark-to-market fair value of each natural gas contract is in an asset position with no offsetting amounts.

(2)Derivative component of the ZENS obligation that represents the ZENS holder’s option to receive the appreciated value of the reference shares at maturity. See Note 10 for further information.

Income Statement Impact of Hedge Accounting Activity (CenterPoint Energy)


		Three Months Ended March 31,
	Income Statement Location			2023		2022
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:			(in millions)
Indexed debt securities derivative (1)	Gain (loss) on indexed debt securities			$	(39)	$	106

(1)The indexed debt securities derivative is recorded at fair value and changes in the fair value are recorded in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income.

Certain of CenterPoint Energy’s derivative instruments contain provisions that require CenterPoint Energy’s debt to maintain an investment grade credit rating on its long-term unsecured unsubordinated debt from S&P and Moody’s. If CenterPoint Energy’s debt were to fall below investment grade, it would be in violation of these provisions, and the counterparties to the derivative instruments could request immediate payment. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, all derivatives with credit risk-related contingent features were in an asset position.

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(8) Fair Value Measurements

Assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value in the Registrants’ Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their value. Hierarchical levels, as defined below and directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuations of these assets and liabilities, are as follows:

Level 1: Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. The types of assets carried at Level 1 fair value generally are exchange-traded derivatives and equity securities.

Level 2: Inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Fair value assets and liabilities that are generally included in this category are derivatives with fair values based on inputs from actively quoted markets. A market approach is utilized to value the Registrants’ Level 2 natural gas derivative assets or liabilities. CenterPoint Energy’s Level 2 indexed debt securities derivative is valued using an option model and a discounted cash flow model, which uses projected dividends on the ZENS-Related Securities and a discount rate as observable inputs.

Level 3: Inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs reflect the Registrants’ judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability since limited market data exists. The Registrants develop these inputs based on the best information available, including the Registrants’ own data.

The Registrants determine the appropriate level for each financial asset and liability on a quarterly basis.

The following tables present information about the Registrants’ assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Registrants to determine such fair value.

CenterPoint Energy


	March 31, 2023						December 31, 2022
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets	(in millions)
Equity securities	$	548	$	—	$	—	$	548	$	510	$	—	$	—	$	510
Investments, including money market funds (1)	30		—		—		30		32		—		—		32
Interest rate derivatives	—		—		—		—		—		1		—		1
Natural gas derivatives	—		1		—		1		—		11		—		11



Total assets	$	578	$	1	$	—	$	579	$	542	$	12	$	—	$	554
Liabilities
Indexed debt securities derivative	$	—	$	617	$	—	$	617	$	—	$	578	$	—	$	578
Interest rate derivatives	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—




Total liabilities	$	—	$	617	$	—	$	617	$	—	$	578	$	—	$	578

Houston Electric


	March 31, 2023						December 31, 2022
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets	(in millions)
Investments, including money market funds (1)	$	15	$	—	$	—	$	15	$	17	$	—	$	—	$	17

Total assets	$	15	$	—	$	—	$	15	$	17	$	—	$	—	$	17

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CERC


	March 31, 2023						December 31, 2022
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets	(in millions)

Investments, including money market funds (1)	$	13	$	—	$	—	$	13	$	14	$	—	$	—	$	14
Natural gas derivatives	—		1		—		1		—		9		—		9
Total assets	$	13	$	1	$	—	$	14	$	14	$	9	$	—	$	23

(1)Amounts are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, investments in debt and equity securities measured at fair value and short-term borrowings are estimated to be approximately equivalent to carrying amounts and have been excluded from the table below. The carrying amounts of non-trading derivative assets and liabilities and CenterPoint Energy’s ZENS indexed debt securities derivative are stated at fair value and are excluded from the table below. The fair value of each debt instrument is determined by multiplying the principal amount of each debt instrument by a combination of historical trading prices and comparable issue data. These liabilities, which are not measured at fair value in the Registrants’ Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, but for which the fair value is disclosed, would be classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.


	March 31, 2023						December 31, 2022
	CenterPoint Energy (1)		Houston Electric (1)		CERC		CenterPoint Energy (1)		Houston Electric (1)		CERC
Long-term debt, including current maturities	(in millions)


Carrying amount	$	15,996	$	7,245	$	3,937	$	16,338	$	6,353	$	4,826
Fair value	14,965		6,556		3,840		14,990		5,504		4,637

(1)Includes Securitization Bond debt.

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

Goodwill (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)

CenterPoint Energy’s goodwill by reportable segment as of both March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 is as follows:



	(in millions)
Electric (1)	$	936
Natural Gas	2,920
Corporate and Other	438

Total	$	4,294

(1)Amount presented is net of the accumulated goodwill impairment charge of $185 million recorded in 2020.

CERC’s goodwill as of both March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 is as follows:



	(in millions)
Goodwill	$	1,583

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Other Intangibles (CenterPoint Energy)

The tables below present information on CenterPoint Energy’s intangible assets, excluding goodwill, recorded in Other non-current assets on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related amortization expense included in Depreciation and amortization on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income.


	March 31, 2023						December 31, 2022
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Balance		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Balance
	(in millions)
Customer relationships	$	33	$	(17)	$	16	$	33	$	(16)	$	17

Trade names	16		(6)		10		16		(6)		10

Operation and maintenance agreements (1)	12		(2)		10		12		(2)		10
Other	2		(1)		1		2		(1)		1
Total	$	63	$	(26)	$	37	$	63	$	(25)	$	38

(1)Amortization expense related to the operation and maintenance agreements is included in Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income.


	Three Months Ended March 31,
			2023		2022
		(in millions)
Amortization expense of intangible assets recorded in Depreciation and amortization			$	1	$	1

CenterPoint Energy estimates that amortization expense of intangible assets with finite lives for the next five years will be as follows:


	Amortization Expense

	(in millions)
Remaining nine months of 2023	$	5
2024	5
2025	5
2026	5
2027	4
2028	4

(10) Equity Securities and Indexed Debt Securities (ZENS) (CenterPoint Energy)

(a) Equity Securities

During the three months ended March 31, 2022, CenterPoint Energy completed the execution of its previously announced plan to exit the midstream sector by selling the remaining Energy Transfer Common Units and Energy Transfer Series G Preferred Units it held.

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Gains and losses on equity securities, net of transaction costs, are recorded in Gain (Loss) on Equity Securities in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income.


		Gains (Losses) on Equity Securities
	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2023		2022
		(in millions)
AT&T Common		$	9	$	(10)
Charter Common		16		(93)
WBD Common		14		—
Energy Transfer Common Units		—		95
Energy Transfer Series G Preferred Units		—		(9)
Other		(1)		—
Total		$	38	$	(17)

CenterPoint Energy recorded net unrealized gains (losses) of $38 million and $(103) million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 respectively, for equity securities held as of March 31, 2023 and 2022.

CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries hold shares of certain securities detailed in the table below, which are classified as trading securities. Shares of AT&T Common, Charter Common and WBD Common are expected to be held to facilitate CenterPoint Energy’s ability to meet its obligation under the ZENS.


	Shares Held		Carrying Value
	March 31, 2023	December 31, 2022	March 31, 2023		December 31, 2022
			(in millions)
AT&T Common	10,212,945	10,212,945	$	197	$	188
Charter Common	872,503	872,503	312		296
WBD Common	2,470,685	2,470,685	37		23


Other			2		3
Total			$	548	$	510

(b) ZENS

In September 1999, CenterPoint Energy issued ZENS having an original principal amount of $1.0 billion of which $828 million remained outstanding as of March 31, 2023. Each ZENS is exchangeable at the holder’s option at any time for an amount of cash equal to 95% of the market value of the reference shares attributable to such note. The number and identity of the reference shares attributable to each ZENS are adjusted for certain corporate events.

CenterPoint Energy’s reference shares for each ZENS consisted of the following:


	March 31, 2023	December 31, 2022
	(in shares)
AT&T Common	0.7185	0.7185
Charter Common	0.061382	0.061382
WBD Common	0.173817	0.173817

CenterPoint Energy pays interest on the ZENS at an annual rate of 2% plus the amount of any quarterly cash dividends paid in respect of the reference shares attributable to the ZENS. The principal amount of the ZENS is subject to increases or decreases to the extent that the annual yield from interest and cash dividends on the reference shares attributable to the ZENS is less than or more than 2.309%. The adjusted principal amount is defined in the ZENS instrument as “contingent principal.” As of March 31, 2023, the ZENS, having an original principal amount of $828 million and a contingent principal amount of $24 million, were outstanding and were exchangeable, at the option of the holders, for cash equal to 95% of the market value of the reference shares attributable to the ZENS.

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(11) Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt

Inventory Financing. CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas businesses have third-party AMAs associated with their utility distribution service in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi and Texas. The AMAs have varying terms, the longest of which expires in 2027. Pursuant to the provisions of the agreements, CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas either sells natural gas to the asset manager and agrees to repurchase an equivalent amount of natural gas throughout the year at the same cost, or simply purchases its full natural gas requirements at each delivery point from the asset manager. Certain of these transactions are accounted for as an inventory financing. CenterPoint Energy and CERC had $-0- and $11 million outstanding obligations related to the AMAs as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, recorded in Short-term borrowings on CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Debt Transactions. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the following debt instruments were issued or incurred:


Registrant	Issuance Date	Debt Instrument	Aggregate Principal Amount		Interest Rate	Maturity Date
	(in millions)



Houston Electric	March 2023	General Mortgage Bonds (1)	$	600	4.95%	2033
Houston Electric	March 2023	General Mortgage Bonds (1)	300		5.30%	2053
		Total Houston Electric	900
CERC	February 2023	Term Loan (2)	500		SOFR (3) + 0.85%	2024
CERC	February 2023	Senior Notes (4)	600		5.25%	2028
CERC	February 2023	Senior Notes (4)	600		5.40%	2033

		Total CERC	1,700
CenterPoint Energy (5)	March 2023	First Mortgage Bonds (6)	100		4.98%	2028
CenterPoint Energy (5)	March 2023	First Mortgage Bonds (6)	80		5.04%	2033
CenterPoint Energy	March 2023	Term Loan (7)	250		SOFR (3) + 1.50%	2023
		Total CenterPoint Energy	$	3,030

(1)Total proceeds from Houston Electric’s March 2023 issuances of general mortgage bonds, net of transaction expenses and fees, were approximately $890 million. Approximately $593 million of such proceeds were used for general limited liability company purposes, including capital expenditures, working capital and the repayment of all or a portion of Houston Electric’s borrowings under the CenterPoint Energy money pool, and approximately $296 million of such proceeds will be disbursed or allocated to finance or refinance, in part or in full, new or existing projects that meet stated criteria.

(2)Total proceeds, net of transaction expenses and fees, of approximately $500 million were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of CERC’s outstanding commercial paper balances.

(3)As defined in the term loan agreement, which includes an adjustment of 0.10% per annum.

(4)Total proceeds from CERC’s February 2023 issuances of senior notes, net of transaction expenses and fees, of approximately $1.2 billion were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of (i) all or a portion of CERC’s outstanding 0.700% senior notes due 2023, (ii) all or a portion of CERC’s outstanding floating rate senior notes due 2023 and (iii) a portion of CERC’s outstanding commercial paper balances.

(5)Issued by SIGECO.

(6)Total proceeds from SIGECO’s March 2023 issuances of first mortgage bonds, net of transaction expenses and fees, of approximately $179 million were used for general corporate purposes, including repaying short-term debt and refunding long-term debt at maturity or otherwise.

(7)Total proceeds, net of transaction expenses and fees, of approximately $250 million were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of CenterPoint Energy’s outstanding commercial paper balances. The full outstanding amount of the term loan, including accrued and unpaid interest, was repaid in March 2023 and, following the repayment, the term loan agreement was terminated.

In April 2023, SIGECO executed a remarketing agreement, subject to standard conditions precedent, to remarket five series of tax-exempt debt issued by the Indiana Finance Authority, and secured by SIGECO first mortgage bonds, of approximately $148 million, comprised of: (i) $107 million aggregate principal amount of Environmental Improvement Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 2013, originally issued by the Indiana Finance Authority on April 26, 2013, and (ii) $41 million aggregate principal amount of Environmental Improvement Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 2014, originally issued by the Indiana Finance Authority on September 24, 2014, which is expected to close on May 1, 2023. SIGECO expects to remarket an additional $38 million of tax-exempt debt at then market rates due to mandatory purchase or mandatory tender for purchase provisions by the end of 2023.

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Debt Repayments and Redemptions. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the following debt instruments were repaid at maturity or redeemed prior to maturity primarily with proceeds received from the Texas securitization discussed further in Note 6:

Registrant

Repayment/Redemption Date

Debt Instrument

Aggregate Principal Amount

Interest Rate

Maturity Date

(in millions)

CERC

March 2023

Term Loan (3)

500

SOFR (2) + 0.70%

2023

CERC

March 2023

Senior Notes

700

0.70%

2023

CERC

March 2023

Floating Rate Senior Notes

575

Three-month LIBOR plus 0.5%

2023

Total CERC

1,775

1775000000

CenterPoint Energy (1)

January 2023

First Mortgage Bonds

4.00%

2044

CenterPoint Energy

March 2023

Term Loan (3)

250

SOFR (2) + 1.50%

2023

Total CenterPoint Energy

2,036

(1) On December 16, 2022, SIGECO provided notice of redemption and on January 17, 2023, SIGECO redeemed $11 million aggregate principal amount of SIGECO’s outstanding first mortgage bonds due 2044 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the first mortgage bonds to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

(2) As defined in the term loan agreement, which includes an adjustment of 0.10% per annum.

(3) The full outstanding amount of the term loan, including accrued and unpaid interest, was repaid in March 2023 and, following the repayment, the term loan agreement was terminated.

Credit Facilities. The Registrants had the following revolving credit facilities as of March 31, 2023:


Execution Date	Registrant	Size of Facility		Draw Rate of SOFR plus (1)	Financial Covenant Limit on Debt for Borrowed Money to Capital Ratio		Debt for Borrowed Money to Capital Ratio as of March 31, 2023 (2)	Termination Date
		(in millions)
December 6, 2022	CenterPoint Energy	$	2,400	1.500%	65.0%	(3)	60.6%	December 6, 2027
December 6, 2022	CenterPoint Energy (4)	250		1.125%	65.0%		47.0%	December 6, 2027

December 6, 2022	Houston Electric	300		1.250%	67.5%	(3)	52.4%	December 6, 2027
December 6, 2022	CERC	1,050		1.125%	65.0%		45.2%	December 6, 2027
	Total	$	4,000

(1)Based on current credit ratings.

(2)As defined in the revolving credit facility agreements, excluding Securitization Bonds.

(3)For CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric, the financial covenant limit will temporarily increase to 70% if Houston Electric experiences damage from a natural disaster in its service territory and CenterPoint Energy certifies to the administrative agent that Houston Electric has incurred system restoration costs reasonably likely to exceed $100 million in a consecutive 12-month period, all or part of which Houston Electric intends to seek to recover through securitization financing. Such temporary increase in the financial covenant would be in effect from the date CenterPoint Energy delivers its certification until the earliest to occur of (i) the completion of the securitization financing, (ii) the first anniversary of CenterPoint Energy’s certification or (iii) the revocation of such certification.

(4)This credit facility was issued by SIGECO.

The Registrants, including the subsidiaries of CenterPoint Energy discussed above, were in compliance with all financial debt covenants as of March 31, 2023.

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The table below reflects the utilization of the Registrants’ respective revolving credit facilities:


	March 31, 2023								December 31, 2022
Registrant	Loans		Letters of Credit		Commercial Paper (2)		Weighted Average Interest Rate		Loans		Letters of Credit		Commercial Paper (2)		Weighted Average Interest Rate
	(in millions, except weighted average interest rate)
CenterPoint Energy	$	—	$	11	$	1,260	5.22	%	$	—	$	11	$	1,770	4.71	%
CenterPoint Energy (1)	—		—		—		—	%	—		—		—		—	%
Houston Electric	—		—		—		—	%	—		—		—		—	%
CERC	—		1		—		—	%	—		—		805		4.67	%
Total	$	—	$	12	$	1,260			$	—	$	11	$	2,575

(1)This credit facility was issued by SIGECO.

(2)Outstanding commercial paper generally has maturities of 60 days or less and each Registrants’ commercial paper program is backstopped by such Registrants’ long-term credit facilities. Neither Houston Electric nor SIGECO has a commercial paper program.

Liens. As of March 31, 2023, Houston Electric’s assets were subject to liens securing approximately $7.1 billion of general mortgage bonds outstanding under the General Mortgage, including approximately $68 million held in trust to secure pollution control bonds that mature in 2028 for which CenterPoint Energy is obligated. The general mortgage bonds that are held in trust to secure pollution control bonds are not reflected in Houston Electric’s consolidated financial statements because of the contingent nature of the obligations. Houston Electric may issue additional general mortgage bonds on the basis of retired bonds, 70% of property additions or cash deposited with the trustee. Houston Electric could issue approximately $4.4 billion of additional general mortgage bonds on the basis of retired bonds and 70% of property additions as of March 31, 2023. No first mortgage bonds are outstanding under the M&DOT, and Houston Electric is contractually obligated to not issue any additional first mortgage bonds under the M&DOT and is undertaking actions to release the lien of the M&DOT and terminate the M&DOT.

As of March 31, 2023, SIGECO had approximately $457 million aggregate principal amount of first mortgage bonds outstanding. Generally, all of SIGECO’s real and tangible property is subject to the lien of SIGECO’s mortgage indenture which was amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2023. As of March 31, 2023, SIGECO was permitted to issue additional bonds under its mortgage indenture up to 70% of then currently unfunded property additions and approximately $1.2 billion of additional first mortgage bonds could be issued on this basis.

Other. As of March 31, 2023, certain financial institutions agreed to issue, from time to time, up to $5 million of letters of credit on behalf of Vectren and certain of its subsidiaries in exchange for customary fees. As of March 31, 2023, such financial institutions had issued $0.2 million of letters of credit on behalf of Vectren and certain of its subsidiaries.

(12) Income Taxes

The Registrants reported the following effective tax rates:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2023		2022
CenterPoint Energy (1)		19	%	27	%

Houston Electric (2)		23	%	22	%
CERC (3)		22	%	25	%

(1)CenterPoint Energy’s lower effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same periods ended March 31, 2022 was primarily driven by the decrease in state income taxes and the absence of the non-deductible goodwill associated with the sale of the Natural Gas businesses in Arkansas and Oklahoma in 2022 which is partially offset by the decrease in the amount of amortization of the net regulatory EDIT liability.

(2)Houston Electric’s higher effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 was primarily driven by an increase in state income taxes which is partially offset by an increase in the amount of amortization of the net regulatory EDIT liability.

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(3)CERC’s lower effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period ended March 31, 2022 was primarily driven by a decrease in state income taxes and the absence of the non-deductible goodwill associated with the sale of the Natural Gas businesses in Arkansas and Oklahoma in 2022 which is partially offset by the decrease in the amount of amortization of the net regulatory EDIT liability.

CenterPoint Energy reported a net uncertain tax liability, inclusive of interest and penalties, of $28 million as of March 31, 2023. The Registrants believe that it is reasonably possible that there will be no change in unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest, in the next 12 months as a result of a lapse of statutes on older exposures, a tax settlement, and/or a resolution of open audits.

Tax Audits and Settlements. Tax years through 2018 have been audited and settled with the IRS for CenterPoint Energy. For the 2019-2022 tax years, the Registrants are participants in the IRS’s Compliance Assurance Process. Vectren’s pre-Merger 2014-2019 tax years have been audited and settled with the IRS.

(13) Commitments and Contingencies

(a)Purchase Obligations (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)

Commitments include minimum purchase obligations related to CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas reportable segment and CenterPoint Energy’s Electric reportable segment. A purchase obligation is defined as an agreement to purchase goods or services that is enforceable and legally binding on the registrant and that specifies all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. Contracts with minimum payment provisions have various quantity requirements and durations and are not classified as non-trading derivative assets and liabilities in CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2021. These contracts meet an exception as “normal purchases contracts” or do not meet the definition of a derivative. Natural gas and coal supply commitments also include transportation contracts that do not meet the definition of a derivative.

On October 27, 2021, the IURC issued an order approving the CPCN, authorizing Indiana Electric to purchase the Posey Solar project through a BTA to acquire its solar array assets for a fixed purchase price and approved recovery of costs via a levelized rate over the anticipated 35-year life. Due to community feedback and rising project costs caused by inflation and supply chain issues affecting the energy industry, Indiana Electric, along with Arevon, the developer, announced plans in January 2022 to downsize the Posey Solar project to 191 MW. Indiana Electric collaboratively agreed to the scope change, and on February 1, 2023, Indiana Electric entered into an amended and restated BTA that is contingent on further IURC review and approval. On February 7, 2023, Indiana Electric filed a CPCN with the IURC to approve the amended BTA. With the passage of the IRA, Indiana Electric can now pursue PTCs for solar projects. Indiana Electric will request that project costs, net of PTCs, be recovered in rate base rather than a levelized rate, through base rates or the CECA mechanism, depending on which provides more timely recovery. The Posey Solar project is expected to be placed in service in 2025.

On July 5, 2022, Indiana Electric entered into a BTA to acquire a 130 MW solar array in Pike County, Indiana through a special purpose entity for a capped purchase price. A CPCN for the project was filed with the IURC on July 29, 2022. On September 21, 2022, an agreement in principle was reached resolving all the issues between Indiana Electric and OUCC. The Stipulation and Settlement agreement was filed on October 6, 2022 and a settlement hearing was held on November 1, 2022. On January 11, 2023, the IURC issued an order approving the settlement agreement granting Indiana Electric a CPCN to purchase and acquire the Pike County solar project through a BTA and approved the estimated cost. The IURC also designated the project as a clean energy project under Ind. Code Ch. 8-1-8.8, approved the proposed levelized rate and associated ratemaking and accounting treatment. The project is expected to be placed in service by 2025.

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As of March 31, 2023, other than discussed below, undiscounted minimum purchase obligations are approximately:


	CenterPoint Energy						CERC
	Natural Gas Supply		Electric Supply (1)		Other (2)		Natural Gas Supply
	(in millions)
Remaining nine months of 2023	$	431	$	141	$	134	$	426
2024	659		168		185		654
2025	555		702		22		551
2026	466		102		2		463
2027	397		104		—		394
2028	366		67		—		362
2029 and beyond	1,696		714		387		1,671

(1)CenterPoint Energy’s undiscounted minimum payment obligations related to PPAs with commitments ranging from 15 to 25 years and its purchase commitments under its BTA in Posey County, Indiana and its BTA in Pike County, Indiana are included above.

(2)The undiscounted payment obligations relate primarily to technology hardware and software agreements.

Excluded from the table above are estimates for cash outlays from other PPAs through Indiana Electric that do not have minimum thresholds but do require payment when energy is generated by the provider. Costs arising from certain of these commitments are pass-through costs, generally collected dollar-for-dollar from retail customers through regulator-approved cost recovery mechanisms.

(b) Guarantees and Product Warranties (CenterPoint Energy)

In the normal course of business, Energy Systems Group enters into contracts requiring it to timely install infrastructure, operate facilities, pay vendors and subcontractors and support warranty obligations and, at times, issue payment and performance bonds and other forms of assurance in connection with these contracts.

Specific to Energy Systems Group’s role as a general contractor in the performance contracting industry, as of March 31, 2023, there were 66 open surety bonds supporting future performance with an aggregate face amount of approximately $666 million. Energy Systems Group’s exposure is less than the face amount of the surety bonds and is limited to the level of uncompleted work under the contracts. As of March 31, 2023, approximately 36% of the work was yet to be completed on projects with open surety bonds. Further, various subcontractors issue surety bonds to Energy Systems Group. In addition to these performance obligations, Energy Systems Group also warrants the functionality of certain installed infrastructure generally for one year and the associated energy savings over a specified number of years. As of March 31, 2023, there were 34 warranties totaling $517 million and an additional $1.4 billion in energy savings commitments not guaranteed by Vectren. Since Energy Systems Group’s inception in 1994, CenterPoint Energy believes Energy Systems Group has had a history of generally meeting its performance obligations and energy savings guarantees and its installed products have operated effectively. CenterPoint Energy assessed the fair value of its obligation for such guarantees as of March 31, 2023 and no amounts were recorded on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

CenterPoint Energy issues parent company level guarantees to certain vendors, customers and other commercial counterparties of Energy Systems Group. These guarantees do not represent incremental consolidated obligations, but rather, represent guarantees of subsidiary obligations to allow those subsidiaries to conduct business without posting other forms of assurance. As of March 31, 2023, CenterPoint Energy, primarily through Vectren, has issued parent company level guarantees supporting Energy Systems Group’s obligations. For those obligations where potential exposure can be estimated, management estimates the maximum exposure under these guarantees to be approximately $523 million as of March 31, 2023. This exposure primarily relates to energy savings guarantees on federal energy savings performance contracts. Other parent company level guarantees, certain of which do not contain a cap on potential liability, have been issued in support of federal operations and maintenance projects for which a maximum exposure cannot be estimated based on the nature of the projects. While there can be no assurance that performance under any of these parent company guarantees will not be required in the future, CenterPoint Energy considers the likelihood of a material amount being incurred as remote.

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(c)Legal, Environmental and Other Matters

Legal Matters

Litigation Related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event. Various legal proceedings are still pending against numerous entities with respect to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, including against CenterPoint Energy, Utility Holding, LLC, Houston Electric, and CERC. Like other Texas energy companies and TDUs, CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric have become involved in certain investigations, litigation and other regulatory and legal proceedings regarding their efforts to restore power during the storm and their compliance with NERC, ERCOT and PUCT rules and directives. Additionally, like other natural gas market participants, CERC has been named in litigation alleging gas market manipulation.

CenterPoint Energy, Utility Holding, LLC, and Houston Electric, along with hundreds of other defendants (including ERCOT, power generation companies, other TDUs, natural gas producers, REPs, and other entities) have received claims and lawsuits filed by plaintiffs alleging wrongful death, personal injury, property damage and other injuries and damages.

Substantially all of the litigation is or will be consolidated in Texas state court in Harris County, Texas, as part of a multi-district litigation proceeding, with two cases currently pending in federal court in Houston. The judge overseeing the multi-district litigation issued an initial case management order and stayed all proceedings and discovery. Per the case management order, the judge entertained dispositive motions in five representative or “bellwether” cases and, in late January 2023, issued rulings on them. The judge ruled that ERCOT has sovereign immunity as a governmental entity and dismissed the suits against it. The judge also dismissed all claims against the natural gas defendants (which lists of natural gas defendants incorrectly included Utility Holding, LLC), and the REP defendants and some causes of action against the other defendants. As to the TDU and generator defendants, the judge dismissed some causes of action but denied the motions to dismiss claims for negligence, gross negligence, and nuisance, which denial the TDU defendants and generator defendants are asking the court of appeals to overturn. The judge allowed plaintiffs to file amended petitions, but otherwise the cases remain stayed as the judge addresses additional preliminary issues.

Following the initial rulings and around the two-year anniversary of the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, there were voluminous amendments, non-suits and re-filings of pending lawsuits, and the filing of new lawsuits, such that the pleadings are still being settled and the precise number of cases and claims against particular defendants and in total is still being determined. As of March 31, 2023, there are approximately 220 pending lawsuits that are in or will be added to the multi-district litigation proceeding related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, and CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric, along with numerous other entities, have been named as defendants in approximately 155 of those lawsuits. One of the newly filed lawsuits is a putative class action on behalf of everyone who received electric power via the ERCOT grid and sustained a power outage between February 10, 2021 and February 28, 2021. Additionally, Utility Holding, LLC is currently named as a defendant in approximately 15 lawsuits, but CenterPoint Energy expects that those claims will ultimately be dismissed in light of the judge’s initial rulings. CenterPoint Energy, Utility Holding, LLC, and Houston Electric intend to vigorously defend themselves against the claims raised.

CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric have also responded to inquiries from the Texas Attorney General and the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office, and various other regulatory and governmental entities also conducted inquiries, investigations and other reviews of the February 2021 Winter Storm Event and the efforts made by various entities to prepare for, and respond to, the event, including the electric generation shortfall issues.

In February 2023, twelve lawsuits were filed in state district court in Harris County and Tom Green County, Texas, against dozens of gas market participants in Texas, including natural gas producers, processors, pipelines, marketers, sellers, traders, gas utilities, and financial institutions. Plaintiffs named CERC as one such defendant, along with “CenterPoint Energy Services, Inc.,” incorrectly identifying it as CERC’s parent company (CenterPoint Energy previously divested CES). One lawsuit filed in Harris County is a putative class action on behalf of two classes of electric and natural gas customers (those who experienced a loss of electricity and/or natural gas, and those who were charged securitization-related surcharges on a utility bill or were otherwise charged higher rates for electricity and/or gas during the February 2021 Winter Storm Event), potentially including millions of class members. Two other lawsuits (one filed in Harris County and one in Tom Green County) are brought by an entity that purports to be an assignee of claims by tens of thousands of persons and entities that have assigned claims to the plaintiff. These, and nine other similar lawsuits filed in Harris County, generally allege that the defendants engaged in gas market manipulation and price gouging, including by intentionally withholding, suppressing, or diverting supplies of natural gas in connection with the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, Winter Storm Elliott, and other severe weather conditions, and through financial market manipulation. Plaintiffs allege that this manipulation impacted gas supply and prices as well as the market, supply, and price of electricity in Texas and caused blackouts and other damage. Plaintiffs assert claims for tortious interference with existing contract, private nuisance, and unjust enrichment, and allege a broad array of injuries and damages, including personal injury, property damage, and harm from certain costs being securitized and passed on to ratepayers. The

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lawsuits do not specify the amount of damages sought, but seek broad categories of actual, compensatory, statutory, consequential economic, and punitive damages; restitution and disgorgement; pre- and post-judgment interest; costs and attorneys’ fees; and other relief. As of April 12, 2023, most of the lawsuits have not been served, but as they are served, the cases will be tagged for transfer to the existing multi-district litigation proceeding referenced above. CERC intends to vigorously defend itself against the claims raised.

To date, there have not been demands, quantification, disclosure or discovery of damages by any party to any of the above legal matters that are sufficient to enable CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries to estimate exposure. Given that, as well as the preliminary nature of the proceedings, the numerosity of parties and complexity of issues involved, and the uncertainties of litigation, CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries are unable to predict the outcome or consequences of any of the foregoing matters or to estimate a range of potential losses. CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries have general and excess liability insurance policies that provide coverage for third party bodily injury and property damage claims. Given the nature of certain of the recent allegations, however, it is possible that the insurers for third party bodily injury and property damage claims could dispute coverage for other types of damage that may be alleged by plaintiffs. CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries intend to continue to pursue any and all available insurance coverage for all of these matters.

Environmental Matters

MGP Sites. CenterPoint Energy, CERC and their predecessors, including predecessors of Vectren, operated MGPs in the past. The costs CenterPoint Energy or CERC, as applicable, expect to incur to fulfill their respective obligations are estimated by management using assumptions based on actual costs incurred, the timing of expected future payments and inflation factors, among others. While CenterPoint Energy and CERC have recorded obligations for all costs which are probable and estimable, including amounts they are presently obligated to incur in connection with activities at these sites, it is possible that future events may require remedial activities which are not presently foreseen, and those costs may not be subject to PRP or insurance recovery.

(i)Minnesota MGPs (CenterPoint Energy and CERC). With respect to certain Minnesota MGP sites, CenterPoint Energy and CERC have completed state-ordered remediation and continue state-ordered monitoring and water treatment. CenterPoint Energy and CERC recorded a liability as reflected in the table below for continued monitoring and any future remediation required by regulators in Minnesota.

(ii)Indiana MGPs (CenterPoint Energy and CERC). In the Indiana Gas service territory, the existence, location and certain general characteristics of 26 gas manufacturing and storage sites have been identified for which CenterPoint Energy and CERC may have some remedial responsibility. A remedial investigation/feasibility study was completed at one of the sites under an agreed upon order between Indiana Gas and the IDEM, and a Record of Decision was issued by the IDEM in January 2000. The remaining sites have been submitted to the IDEM’s VRP. CenterPoint Energy has also identified its involvement in 5 manufactured gas plant sites in SIGECO’s service territory, all of which are currently enrolled in the IDEM’s VRP. CenterPoint Energy is currently conducting some level of remedial activities, including groundwater monitoring at certain sites.

(iii)Other MGPs (CenterPoint Energy and CERC). In addition to the Minnesota and Indiana sites, the EPA and other regulators have investigated MGP sites that were owned or operated by CenterPoint Energy or CERC or may have been owned by one of their former affiliates.

Total costs that may be incurred in connection with addressing these sites cannot be determined at this time. The estimated accrued costs are limited to CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s share of the remediation efforts and are therefore net of exposures of other PRPs. The estimated range of possible remediation costs for the sites for which CenterPoint Energy and CERC believe they may have responsibility was based on remediation continuing for the minimum time frame given in the table below.


	March 31, 2023
	CenterPoint Energy		CERC
	(in millions, except years)
Amount accrued for remediation	$	16	$	14
Minimum estimated remediation costs	12		11
Maximum estimated remediation costs	51		44
Minimum years of remediation	5		5
Maximum years of remediation	50		50

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The cost estimates are based on studies of a site or industry average costs for remediation of sites of similar size. The actual remediation costs will depend on the number of sites to be remediated, the participation of other PRPs, if any, and the remediation methods used.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC do not expect the ultimate outcome of these matters to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of either CenterPoint Energy or CERC.

Asbestos. Some facilities owned by the Registrants or their predecessors contain or have contained asbestos insulation and other asbestos-containing materials. The Registrants are from time to time named, along with numerous others, as defendants in lawsuits filed by a number of individuals who claim injury due to exposure to asbestos, and the Registrants anticipate that additional claims may be asserted in the future. Although their ultimate outcome cannot be predicted at this time, the Registrants do not expect these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on their financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

CCR Rule (CenterPoint Energy). In April 2015, the EPA finalized its CCR Rule, which regulates ash as non-hazardous material under the RCRA. The final rule allows beneficial reuse of ash, and the majority of the ash generated by Indiana Electric’s generating plants will continue to be reused. In July 2018, the EPA released its final CCR Rule Phase I Reconsideration which extended the deadline to October 31, 2020 for ceasing placement of ash in ponds that exceed groundwater protections standards or that fail to meet location restrictions. In August 2019, the EPA proposed additional “Part A” amendments to its CCR Rule with respect to beneficial reuse of ash and other materials. Further “Part B” amendments, which related to alternate liners for CCR surface impoundments and the surface impoundment closure process, were published in March 2020. The Part A amendments were finalized in August 2020 and extended the deadline to cease placement of ash in ponds to April 11, 2021, discussed further below. The Part A amendments do not restrict Indiana Electric’s current beneficial reuse of its fly ash. CenterPoint Energy evaluated the Part B amendments to determine potential impacts and determined that the Part B amendments did not have an impact on its current plans.

Indiana Electric has three ash ponds, two at the F.B. Culley facility (Culley East and Culley West) and one at the A.B. Brown facility. Under the existing CCR Rule, Indiana Electric is required to perform integrity assessments, including ground water monitoring, at its F.B. Culley and A.B. Brown generating stations. The ground water studies are necessary to determine the remaining service life of the ponds and whether a pond must be retrofitted with liners or closed in place. Indiana Electric’s Warrick generating unit is not included in the scope of the CCR Rule as this unit has historically been part of a larger generating station that predominantly serves an adjacent industrial facility. Preliminary groundwater monitoring indicates potential groundwater impacts very close to Indiana Electric’s ash impoundments, and further analysis is ongoing. The CCR Rule required companies to complete location restriction determinations by October 18, 2018. Indiana Electric completed its evaluation and determined that one F.B. Culley pond (Culley East) and the A.B. Brown pond fail the aquifer placement location restriction. As a result of this failure, Indiana Electric was required to cease disposal of new ash in the ponds and commence closure of the ponds by April 11, 2021, unless approved for an extension. CenterPoint Energy filed timely extension requests available under the CCR Rule that would allow Indiana Electric to continue to use the ponds through October 15, 2023. The EPA is still reviewing industry extension requests, including CenterPoint Energy’s extension request for the Culley East pond. Companies can continue to operate ponds pending completion of the EPA’s evaluation of the requests for extension. If the EPA denies a full extension request, that denial may result in increased and potentially significant operational costs in connection with the accelerated implementation of an alternative ash disposal system or may adversely impact Indiana Electric’s future operations. Failure to comply with a cease waste receipt could also result in an enforcement proceeding, resulting in the imposition of fines and penalties. On October 5, 2022, EPA issued a proposed conditional approval of the Part A extension request for the A.B. Brown pond. EPA’s determination was up for public comment for thirty days from October 19, 2022. On April 24, 2019, Indiana Electric received an order from the IURC approving recovery in rates of costs associated with the closure of the Culley West pond, which has already completed closure activities. On August 14, 2019, Indiana Electric filed its petition with the IURC for recovery of costs associated with the closure of the A.B. Brown ash pond, which would include costs associated with the excavation and recycling of ponded ash. This petition was subsequently approved by the IURC on May 13, 2020. On October 28, 2020, the IURC approved Indiana Electric’s ECA proceeding, which included the initiation of recovery of the federally mandated project costs.

In July 2018, Indiana Electric filed a Complaint for Damages and Declaratory Relief against its insurers seeking reimbursement of defense, investigation and pond closure costs incurred to comply with the CCR Rule, and has since reached confidential settlement agreements with its insurers. The proceeds of these settlements will offset costs that have been and will be incurred to close the ponds. On November 1, 2022, Indiana Electric filed for a CPCN to recover federally mandated costs associated with closure of the Culley East Pond, its third and final ash pond. Indiana Electric is also seeking accounting and ratemaking relief for the project. The project costs are estimated to be approximately $50 million, inclusive of overheads. OUCC and intervenor testimony was submitted February 10, 2023 and Indiana Electric’s rebuttal testimony was filed on

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February 24, 2023. A hearing was held on March 12, 2023 and post hearing briefs were filed on April 14, 2023. Indiana Electric is awaiting an order.

As of March 31, 2023, CenterPoint Energy has recorded an approximate $105 million ARO, which represents the discounted value of future cash flow estimates to close the ponds at A.B. Brown and F.B. Culley. This estimate is subject to change due to the contractual arrangements; continued assessments of the ash, closure methods, and the timing of closure; implications of Indiana Electric’s generation transition plan; changing environmental regulations; and proceeds received from the settlements in the aforementioned insurance proceeding. In addition to these AROs, Indiana Electric also anticipates equipment purchases of between $60 million and $80 million to complete the A.B. Brown closure project.

Clean Water Act Permitting of Groundwater Discharges. In April 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion providing that indirect discharges via groundwater or other non-point sources are subject to permitting and liability under the Clean Water Act when they are the functional equivalent of a direct discharge. The Registrants are evaluating the extent to which this decision will affect Clean Water Act permitting requirements and/or liability for their operations.

Other Environmental. From time to time, the Registrants identify the presence of environmental contaminants during operations or on property where their predecessors have conducted operations. Other such sites involving contaminants may be identified in the future. The Registrants have and expect to continue to remediate any identified sites consistent with state and federal legal obligations. From time to time, the Registrants have received notices, and may receive notices in the future, from regulatory authorities or others regarding status as a PRP in connection with sites found to require remediation due to the presence of environmental contaminants. In addition, the Registrants have been, or may be, named from time to time as defendants in litigation related to such sites. Although the ultimate outcome of such matters cannot be predicted at this time, the Registrants do not expect these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on their financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Other Proceedings

The Registrants are involved in other legal, environmental, tax and regulatory proceedings before various courts, regulatory commissions and governmental agencies regarding matters arising in the ordinary course of business. From time to time, the Registrants are also defendants in legal proceedings with respect to claims brought by various plaintiffs against broad groups of participants in the energy industry. Some of these proceedings involve substantial amounts. The Registrants regularly analyze current information and, as necessary, provide accruals for probable and reasonably estimable liabilities on the eventual disposition of these matters. The Registrants do not expect the disposition of these matters to have a material adverse effect on the Registrants’ financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

(14) Earnings Per Share (CenterPoint Energy)

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, including all potentially dilutive common shares, if the effect of such common shares is dilutive.

Diluted earnings per common share reflects the dilutive effect of potential common shares from share-based awards. The dilutive effect of restricted stock is computed using the treasury stock method, as applicable, which includes the incremental shares that would be hypothetically vested in excess of the number of shares assumed to be hypothetically repurchased with the assumed proceeds.

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The following table reconciles numerators and denominators of CenterPoint Energy’s basic and diluted earnings per common share.


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2023		2022
	(in millions, except per share and share amounts)
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations	$	325	$	531
Less: Preferred stock dividend requirement (Note 18)	12		13







Income available to common shareholders - basic and diluted	$	313	$	518
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	630,309,000		629,134,000
Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversions:
Restricted stock	2,742,000		2,170,000


Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	633,051,000		631,304,000







Earnings Per Common Share:


Basic Earnings Per Common Share	$	0.50	$	0.82


Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	$	0.49	$	0.82

(15) Reportable Segments

The Registrants’ determination of reportable segments considers the strategic operating units under which its CODM manages sales, allocates resources and assesses performance of various products and services to wholesale or retail customers in differing regulatory environments. Each Registrant’s CODM views net income as the measure of profit or loss for the reportable segments.

As of March 31, 2023, reportable segments by Registrant were as follows:

CenterPoint Energy

•CenterPoint Energy’s Electric reportable segment consisted of electric transmission and distribution services in the Texas gulf coast area in the ERCOT region and electric transmission and distribution services primarily to southwestern Indiana and includes power generation and wholesale power operations in the MISO region.

•CenterPoint Energy’s Natural Gas reportable segment consists of (i) intrastate natural gas sales to, and natural gas transportation and distribution for residential, commercial, industrial and institutional customers in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas; and (ii) permanent pipeline connections through interconnects with various interstate and intrastate pipeline companies through CEIP.

•CenterPoint Energy’s Corporate and Other category consists of energy performance contracting and sustainable infrastructure services through Energy Systems Group and other corporate operations which support all of the business operations of CenterPoint Energy.

Houston Electric

•Houston Electric’s single reportable segment consisted of electric transmission services to transmission service customers in the ERCOT region and distribution services to REPs serving the Texas gulf coast area.

CERC

•CERC’s single reportable segment following the Restructuring consisted of (i) intrastate natural gas sales to, and natural gas transportation and distribution for, residential, commercial, industrial and institutional customers in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas; and (ii) permanent pipeline connections through interconnects with various interstate and intrastate pipeline companies through CEIP.

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Financial data for reportable segments is as follows:

CenterPoint Energy













	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2023			2022
	Revenues from External Customers			Net Income (Loss)		Revenues from External Customers			Net Income
	(in millions)
Electric	$	952	(1)	$	123	$	893	(1)	$	82
Natural Gas	1,775			234		1,824			398
Corporate and Other	52			(32)		46			51

Consolidated	$	2,779		325		$	2,763		531

(1)Houston Electric revenues from major external customers are as follows (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
			2023		2022
		(in millions)
Affiliates of NRG			$	227	$	225
Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp.			114		105


	Total Assets
	March 31, 2023		December 31, 2022
	(in millions)
Electric	$	19,858	$	19,024
Natural Gas	16,407		18,043

Corporate and Other, net of eliminations (1)	1,487		1,479

Consolidated	37,752		38,546

(1)Total assets included pension and other postemployment-related regulatory assets of $391 million and $405 million as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

Houston Electric

Houston Electric consists of a single reportable segment; therefore, a tabular reportable segment presentation has not been included.

CERC

CERC consists of a single reportable segment; therefore, a tabular reportable segment presentation has not been included.

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(16) Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

The table below provides supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2023						2022
	CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC		CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC
	(in millions)
Cash Payments/Receipts:
Interest, net of capitalized interest	$	191	$	78	$	58	$	134	$	63	$	33
Income tax refunds, net	(1)		—		—		(15)		—		—
Non-cash transactions:
Accounts payable related to capital expenditures	270		178		85		307		232		92
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities (1)	1		1		—		—		—		—

(1) Excludes ROU assets obtained through prepayment of the lease liabilities. See Note 19.

The table below provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to the amount reported in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows:


	March 31, 2023						December 31, 2022
	CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC		CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC
	(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents (1)	$	114	$	112	$	1	$	74	$	75	$	—
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets	16		12		—		17		13		—

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows	$	130	$	124	$	1	$	91	$	88	$	—

(1)Houston Electric’s Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 included $110 million and $75 million, respectively, of cash related to the Bond Companies.

(17) Related Party Transactions (Houston Electric and CERC)

Houston Electric and CERC participate in CenterPoint Energy’s money pool through which they can borrow or invest on a short-term basis. Funding needs are aggregated and external borrowing or investing is based on the net cash position. The net funding requirements of the CenterPoint Energy money pool are expected to be met with borrowings under CenterPoint Energy’s revolving credit facility or the sale of CenterPoint Energy’s commercial paper.

The table below summarizes CenterPoint Energy money pool activity:


	March 31, 2023						December 31, 2022
	Houston Electric			CERC			Houston Electric			CERC
	(in millions, except interest rates)
Money pool investments (borrowings) (1)	$	313		$	30		$	(642)		$	—
Weighted average interest rate	5.27		%	5.27		%	4.75		%	4.75		%

(1)Included in Accounts and notes receivable (payable)–affiliated companies on Houston Electric’s and CERC’s respective Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

CenterPoint Energy provides some corporate services to Houston Electric and CERC. The costs of services have been charged directly to Houston Electric and CERC using methods that management believes are reasonable. These methods include usage rates, dedicated asset assignment and proportionate corporate formulas based on operating expenses, assets, gross margin, employees and a composite of assets, gross margin and employees. Houston Electric provides certain services to CERC. These services are billed at actual cost, either directly or as an allocation and include fleet services, shop services, geographic services, surveying and right-of-way services, radio communications, data circuit management and field operations. Additionally, CERC provides certain services to Houston Electric. These services are billed at actual cost, either directly or as

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an allocation and include line locating and other miscellaneous services. These charges are not necessarily indicative of what would have been incurred had Houston Electric and CERC not been affiliates.

Amounts charged for these services were as follows and are included primarily in operation and maintenance expenses:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2023		2022
				Houston Electric		CERC		Houston Electric		CERC
			(in millions)
Corporate service charges				$	35	$	50	$	39	$	58
Net affiliate service charges (billings)				(3)		3		(6)		6

The table below presents transactions among Houston Electric, CERC and their parent, CenterPoint Energy.


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2023		2022
				Houston Electric		CERC		Houston Electric		CERC
			(in millions)
Cash dividends paid to parent				$	51	$	204	$	37	$	38
Cash dividend paid to parent related to the sale of the Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses				—		—		—		720
Cash contribution from parent				650		—		637		—

Non-cash capital contribution from parent in payment for property, plant and equipment below				—		—		38		54
Cash paid to parent for property, plant and equipment below				—		—		52		48
Property, plant and equipment from parent (1)				—		—		90		102

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

(18) Equity

Dividends Declared and Paid (CenterPoint Energy)


		Dividends Declared Per Share					Dividends Paid Per Share
	Three Months Ended March 31,					Three Months Ended March 31,
		2023		2022				2023		2022
Common Stock		$	—	$	—			$	0.190	$	0.170
Series A Preferred Stock		—		—				30.625		30.625

Preferred Stock (CenterPoint Energy)


	Liquidation Preference Per Share		Shares Outstanding as of		Outstanding Value as of
			March 31, 2023	December 31, 2022	March 31, 2023		December 31, 2022
	(in millions, except shares and per share amounts)
Series A Preferred Stock	$	1,000	800,000	800,000	$	790	$	790


			800,000	800,000	$	790	$	790

Income Allocated to Preferred Shareholders (CenterPoint Energy)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
			2023		2022
		(in millions)
Series A Preferred Stock			$	12	$	13




Total income allocated to preferred shareholders			$	12	$	13

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Temporary Equity (CenterPoint Energy)

On the approval and recommendation of the Compensation Committee and approval of the Board (acting solely through its independent directors), CenterPoint Energy entered into a retention incentive agreement with David J. Lesar, then President and Chief Executive Officer of CenterPoint Energy, dated July 20, 2021. Pursuant to the retention incentive agreement, Mr. Lesar received equity-based awards under CenterPoint Energy’s LTIP covering a total of 1 million shares of Common Stock (Total Stock Award) which were granted in multiple annual awards. Mr. Lesar received 400 thousand restricted stock units in July 2021 that vested in December 2022 and 400 thousand restricted stock units and 200 thousand restricted stock units in February 2022 and February 2023, respectively, that will vest in December 2023. For accounting purposes, the 1 million shares under the Total Stock Award, consisting of the equity-based awards described above, were considered granted in July 2021. In the event that death, disability, termination without cause or resignation for good reason, as defined in the retention incentive agreement, had occurred prior to the full Total Stock Award being awarded, CenterPoint Energy would have paid a lump sum cash payment equal to the value of the unawarded equity-based awards, based on the closing trading price of Common Stock on the date of the event’s occurrence. Because the equity-based awards would have been redeemable for cash prior to being awarded upon events that were not probable at the grant date, the equity associated with any unawarded equity-based awards were classified as Temporary Equity as of December 31, 2022 on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Changes in accumulated comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:




















	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2023						2022
	CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC		CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC
	(in millions)
Beginning Balance	$	(31)	$	—	$	16	$	(64)	$	—	$	10




Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Prior service cost (1)	(1)		—		(1)		—		—		—
Actuarial losses (1)	—		—		—		1		—		—

Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges realized in net income	—		—		—		1		—		—


Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(1)		—		(1)		2		—		—
Ending Balance	$	(32)	$	—	$	15	$	(62)	$	—	$	10

(1)Amounts are included in the computation of net periodic cost and are reflected in Other income, net in each of the Registrants’ respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income.

(19) Leases

In 2021, Houston Electric entered into a temporary short-term lease and long-term leases for mobile generation. The short-term lease agreement allowed Houston Electric to take delivery of TEEEF assets on a short-term basis with an initial term ending on September 30, 2022 and extended until December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2022, the short-term lease agreement has expired and all mobile generation assets are leased under the long-term lease agreement. Per Houston Electric’s short-term lease accounting policy election, a ROU asset and lease liability are not reflected on Houston Electric’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Expenses associated with the short-term lease, including carrying costs, are deferred to a regulatory asset and totaled $105 million and $103 million as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

The long-term lease agreement includes up to 505 MW of TEEEF, all of which was delivered as of December 31, 2022, triggering lease commencement at delivery, with an initial term ending in 2029 for all TEEEF leases. These assets were previously available under the short-term lease agreement. Houston Electric derecognized the finance lease liability when the extinguishment criteria in Topic 405 - Liabilities was achieved. Per the terms of the agreement, lease payments are due and made in full by Houston Electric upon taking possession of the asset, relieving substantially all of the associated finance lease liability at that time. The remaining finance lease liability associated with the commenced long-term TEEEF agreement was not significant as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 and relates to removal costs that will be incurred at the end of the lease term. As of March 31, 2023, Houston Electric has secured a first lien on the assets leased under the prepayment agreement, except for assets with lease payments totaling $113 million. The $113 million prepayment is being held in an escrow account, not controlled by Houston Electric, and the funds will be released when a first lien can be secured for Houston Electric. Expenses associated with the long-term lease, including depreciation expense on the right of use asset and carrying

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costs, are deferred to a regulatory asset and totaled $90 million and $60 million as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The long-term lease agreement contains a termination clause that can be exercised in the event of material adverse regulatory actions. If the right to terminate is elected, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, 75% of Houston Electric’s prepaid lease costs that is attributable to the period from the effective date of termination to the end of the lease term would be refunded. In December 2022, the long-term lease agreement was amended to include a disallowance reimbursement clause that can be exercised in the event that any regulatory proceeding or settlement agreement results in a disallowance of Houston Electric’s recovery of deferred costs under either the long-term lease agreement, short-term lease agreement or any other quantifiable adverse financial impact to Houston Electric. If the disallowance reimbursement clause is exercised, 85% of such disallowance up to $53 million would be paid to Houston Electric. Any disallowance greater than $53 million would remain subject to the 75% limit set forth in the termination clause. For further discussion of the regulatory impacts, see Note 6.

Houston Electric will also incur variable costs throughout the lease term for the operation and maintenance of the generators. Lease costs, including variable and ROU asset amortization costs, are deferred to Regulatory assets as incurred as a recoverable cost under the 2021 Texas legislation. See Note 6 for further information regarding recovery of these deferred costs.

The components of lease cost, included in Operation and maintenance expense on the Registrants’ respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, are as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2023						Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
	CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC		CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC
	(in millions)
Operating lease cost	$	2	$	1	$	—	$	2	$	—	$	1
Short-term lease cost	—		(1)		—		46		46		—
Variable lease cost	—		—		—		(1)		(1)		—
Total lease cost (1)	$	2	$	—	$	—	$	47	$	45	$	1

(1) CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric defer finance lease costs for TEEEF to Regulatory assets for recovery rather than recognizing Depreciation and Amortization in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income.

Lease income was as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2023						Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
	CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC		CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC
	(in millions)
Operating lease income	$	2	$	—	$	1	$	1	$	—	$	1

Total lease income	$	2	$	—	$	1	$	1	$	—	$	1

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Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:


	March 31, 2023									December 31, 2022
	CenterPoint Energy			Houston Electric			CERC			CenterPoint Energy			Houston Electric			CERC
	(in millions, except lease term and discount rate)
Assets:
Operating ROU assets (1)	$	19		$	8		$	5		$	19		$	6		$	5
Finance ROU assets (2)	597			597			—			621			621			—
Total leased assets	$	616		$	605		$	5		$	640		$	627		$	5

Liabilities:
Current operating lease liability (3)	$	5		$	1		$	1		$	5		$	1		$	2
Non-current operating lease liability (4)	13			6			4			14			5			4
Total leased liabilities (5)	$	18		$	7		$	5		$	19		$	6		$	6

Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) - operating leases	4.2			4.6			3.7			4.3			4.8			3.9
Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases	3.86		%	4.07		%	3.58		%	3.80		%	4.01		%	3.58		%
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) - finance leases	6.3			6.3			—			6.5			6.5			—
Weighted-average discount rate - finance leases	3.60		%	3.60		%	—			3.60		%	3.60		%	—

(1)Reported within Other assets in the Registrants’ respective Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(2)Reported within Property, Plant and Equipment in the Registrants’ respective Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Finance lease assets are recorded net of accumulated amortization.

(3)Reported within Current other liabilities in the Registrants’ respective Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4)Reported within Other liabilities in the Registrants’ respective Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(5)Finance lease liabilities were not significant as of March 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022 and are reported within Other long-term debt in the Registrants’ respective Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets when applicable.

As of March 31, 2023, finance lease liabilities were not significant to the Registrants. As of March 31, 2023, maturities of operating lease liabilities were as follows:


	CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC
	(in millions)
Remainder of 2023	$	5	$	1	$	2
2024	5		2		2
2025	4		2		1
2026	4		2		1
2027	2		1		—
2028 and beyond	—		—		—
Total lease payments	20		8		6
Less: Interest	2		1		1
Present value of lease liabilities	$	18	$	7	$	5

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As of March 31, 2023, future minimum finance lease payments were not significant to the Registrants. As of March 31, 2023, maturities of undiscounted operating lease payments to be received are as follows:


	CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC
	(in millions)
Remainder of 2023	$	4	$	—	$	3
2024	7		1		4
2025	7		1		4
2026	7		—		4
2027	7		—		4
2028	6		—		5
2029 and beyond	154		—		151
Total lease payments to be received	$	192	$	2	$	175

Other information related to leases is as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2023						Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
	CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC		CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC
	(in millions)
Operating cash flows from operating leases included in the measurement of lease liabilities	$	2	$	—	$	—	$	2	$	—	$	1
Financing cash flows from finance leases included in the measurement of lease liabilities	—		—		—		171		171		—

See Note 16 for information on ROU assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities.

(20) Subsequent Events (CenterPoint Energy)

CenterPoint Energy Dividend Declarations

Equity Instrument

Declaration Date

Record Date

Payment Date

Per Share

Common Stock

April 20, 2023

May 18, 2023

June 8, 2023

0.1900

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Item 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following combined discussion and analysis should be read in combination with the Interim Condensed Financial Statements contained in this combined Form 10-Q and the Registrants’ combined 2022 Form 10-K. When discussing CenterPoint Energy’s consolidated financial information, it includes the results of Houston Electric and CERC, which, along with CenterPoint Energy, are collectively referred to as the Registrants. Where appropriate, information relating to a specific Registrant has been segregated and labeled as such. In this combined Form 10-Q, the terms “our,” “we” and “us” are used as abbreviated references to CenterPoint Energy, Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries. No Registrant makes any representations as to the information related solely to CenterPoint Energy or the subsidiaries of CenterPoint Energy other than itself.

RECENT EVENTS

Regulatory Proceedings. On January 4, 2023, the IURC issued an order authorizing the issuance of up to $350 million in bonds to securitize qualified costs associated with CenterPoint Energy’s planned retirements of coal generation facilities. CenterPoint Energy determined that the retirement of property, plant and equipment became probable upon the issuance of the order and reclassified property, plant and equipment of $257 million to be recovered through securitization to a regulatory asset during the three months ended March 31, 2023. Such amounts will continue to earn a full return until recovered through securitization. On March 24, 2023, SIGECO and the Securitization Subsidiary filed a registration statement on Form SF-1 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with the SEC registering the public offering and sale of up to $350 million aggregate principal amount of the Securitization Subsidiary Securitization Bonds. The registration statement has not yet become effective, and the securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. On March 23, 2023, CenterPoint Energy and CERC, collectively, received approximately $1.1 billion in proceeds from the customer rate relief bonds issued by the Texas Public Financing Authority related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event. On April 5, 2023 a final order was issued approving the $39 million revenue requirement from Houston Electric’s 2021 investment in TEEEF. On April 5, 2023, Houston Electric filed its second TEEEF filing requesting recovery of $188 million of TEEEF related costs incurred through December 31, 2022. For further information, see Note 6 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements. For information related to our pending and completed regulatory proceedings to date in 2023, see “—Liquidity and Capital Resources —Regulatory Matters” below.

Debt Transactions. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, CenterPoint Energy issued or borrowed a combined $3.03 billion in new debt, including Houston Electric’s issuance of $900 million aggregate principal amount of general mortgage bonds, CERC’s issuance of $1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes, CERC’s $500 million term loan, SIGECO’s issuance of $180 million aggregate principal amount of first mortgage bonds and CenterPoint Energy’s $250 million term loan. CenterPoint Energy repaid or redeemed a combined $2.04 billion of debt, including CERC’s repayment of its $500 million term loan and $1,275 million of senior notes maturing in 2023, CenterPoint Energy’s repayment of its $250 million term loan and SIGECO’s early redemption of $11 million of first mortgage bonds maturing in 2044, excluding scheduled principal payments on Securitization Bonds. For information about debt transactions to date in 2023, see Note 11 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

CenterPoint Energy Leadership Transition. On March 15, 2023, CenterPoint Energy announced the appointment of Christopher Foster to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective May 5, 2023.

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CENTERPOINT ENERGY CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For information regarding factors that may affect the future results of our consolidated operations, please read “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of the Registrants’ combined 2022 Form 10-K and in Item 1A of Part II of this combined Form 10-Q.

Income available to common shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 was as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
			2023		2022		Favorable (Unfavorable)
		(in millions)
Electric			$	123	$	82	$	41
Natural Gas			234		398		(164)
Total Utility Operations			357		480		(123)

Corporate & Other (1)			(44)		38		(82)

Total CenterPoint Energy			$	313	$	518	$	(205)

(1)Includes energy performance contracting and sustainable infrastructure services through Energy Systems Group, unallocated corporate costs, interest income and interest expense, intercompany eliminations and the reduction of income allocated to preferred shareholders.

Three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to three months ended March 31, 2022

Income available to common shareholders decreased $205 million primarily due to the following items:

•an increase in income available to common shareholders of $41 million for the Electric reportable segment, as further discussed below;

•a decrease in income available to common shareholders of $164 million for the Natural Gas reportable segment, as further discussed below;

•a decrease in income available to common shareholders of $82 million for Corporate and Other, primarily due to the pre-tax net gain of $86 million on the sale of Energy Transfer equity securities in 2022 further discussed in Note 10 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements, partially offset by $45 million of costs associated with early redemption of long-term debt in first quarter 2022. The remaining variance is due largely to an approximately $25 million increase in borrowing costs due to higher interest rates, partially offset by income tax expense discussed below.

Income Tax Expense. For a discussion of effective tax rate per period, see Note 12 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

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CENTERPOINT ENERGY’S RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY REPORTABLE SEGMENT

CenterPoint Energy’s CODM views net income as the measure of profit or loss for the reportable segments. Segment results include inter-segment interest income and expense, which may result in inter-segment profit and loss.

The following discussion of CenterPoint Energy’s results of operations is separated into two reportable segments, Electric and Natural Gas.

Electric (CenterPoint Energy)

For information regarding factors that may affect the future results of operations of CenterPoint Energy’s Electric reportable segment, please read “Risk Factors — Risk Factors Affecting Operations - Electric Generation, Transmission and Distribution,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Regulatory, Environmental and Legal Risks,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Financial, Economic and Market Risks,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Safety and Security Risks” and “— General and Other Risks” in Item 1A of Part I of the Registrants’ combined 2022 Form 10-K.

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


	Three Months Ended March 31,
			2023			2022			Favorable (Unfavorable)
		(in millions, except operating statistics)
Revenues			$	952		$	893		$	59
Expenses:
Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power			60			41			(19)
Operation and maintenance			426			437			11
Depreciation and amortization			191			192			1
Taxes other than income taxes			67			68			1

Total expenses			744			738			(6)
Operating Income			208			155			53
Other Income (Expense):
Interest expense and other finance charges			(61)			(57)			(4)

Other income, net			12			5			7
Income Before Income Taxes			159			103			56
Income tax expense			36			21			(15)
Net Income			$	123		$	82		$	41
Throughput (in GWh):
Residential			5,968			6,346			(6)		%
Total			21,756			23,155			(6)		%
Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area):
Cooling degree days			134		%	62		%	72		%
Heating degree days			87		%	129		%	(42)		%
Number of metered customers at end of period:
Residential			2,547,297			2,502,253			2		%
Total			2,871,667			2,824,100			2		%

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The following table provides variance explanations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to three months ended March 31, 2022 by major income statement caption for the Electric reportable segment:


	Favorable (Unfavorable)

	(in millions)
Revenues
Transmission Revenues, including TCOS and TCRF, inclusive of costs billed by transmission providers, partially offset in operation and maintenance below	$	55
Customer rates	22
Cost of fuel and purchased power, offset in utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power below	19
Customer growth	6


Miscellaneous revenues, including service connections and off-system sales	(2)
Bond Companies equity return, related to the annual true-up of transition charges for amounts over or under collected in prior periods	(2)
Weather, efficiency improvements and other usage impacts	(18)
Bond Companies, offset in other line items below	(21)
Total	$	59
Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power
Cost of purchased power, offset in revenues above	$	(20)
Cost of fuel, including coal, natural gas, and fuel oil, offset in revenues above	1
Total	$	(19)
Operation and maintenance
All other operation and maintenance expense, including materials and supplies and insurance	$	16

Labor and benefits	9
Support services, primarily information technology cost	5



Transmission costs billed by transmission providers, offset in revenues above	(19)
Total	$	11
Depreciation and amortization
Bond Companies, offset in other line items	$	18
Ongoing additions to plant-in-service	(17)
Total	$	1
Taxes other than income taxes


Franchise fees and other taxes	$	1
Total	$	1
Interest expense and other finance charges
Changes in outstanding debt	$	(16)
Bond Companies, offset in other line items	2
Other, primarily AFUDC and impacts of regulatory deferrals	10
Total	$	(4)
Other income, net
Other income, including AFUDC - Equity	$	7


Total	$	7

Income Tax Expense. For a discussion of effective tax rate per period by Registrant, see Note 12 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

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Natural Gas (CenterPoint Energy)

For information regarding factors that may affect the future results of operations of CenterPoint Energy’s Natural Gas reportable segment, please read “Risk Factors — Risk Factors Affecting Operations - Natural Gas,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Regulatory, Environmental and Legal Risks,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Financial, Economic and Market Risks,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Safety and Security Risks” and “— General and Other Risks” in Item 1A of Part I of the Registrants’ combined 2022 Form 10-K.

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


	Three Months Ended March 31,
			2023			2022			Favorable (Unfavorable)
		(in millions, except operating statistics)
Revenues			$	1,775		$	1,824		$	(49)
Expenses:
Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power			1,018			1,057			39
Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas			1			1			—
Operation and maintenance			228			246			18
Depreciation and amortization			122			112			(10)
Taxes other than income taxes			70			77			7
Total expenses			1,439			1,493			54
Operating Income			336			331			5
Other Income (Expense):
Gain on sale			—			303			(303)
Interest expense and other finance charges			(44)			(30)			(14)

Other income (expense), net			2			—			2
Income Before Income Taxes			294			604			(310)
Income tax expense			60			206			146
Net Income (Loss)			$	234		$	398		$	(164)



Throughput (in Bcf):
Residential			96			123			(22)		%
Commercial and Industrial			133			137			(3)		%
Total			229			260			(12)		%
Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area):
Heating degree days			88		%	109		%	(21)		%
Number of metered customers at end of period:
Residential			3,973,454			3,926,192			1		%
Commercial and Industrial			302,634			297,270			2		%
Total			4,276,088			4,223,462			1		%

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	Favorable (Unfavorable)

	(in millions)
Revenues
Nine days in January 2022 for Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses due to sale	$	(38)
Weather and usage	(18)
Cost of natural gas, offset in utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power below	(16)
Gross receipts tax, offset in taxes other than income taxes below	(6)
Energy efficiency, offset in operation and maintenance below	(4)



Non-volumetric and miscellaneous revenue	(1)
Changes in non-utility revenues	2
Customer growth	8
Pass-through revenues, offset in operation and maintenance below	9
Customer rates and impact of the change in rate design	15
Total	$	(49)
Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power
Nine days in January 2022 for Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses due to sale	$	23
Cost of natural gas, offset in revenues above	16


Total	$	39



Operation and maintenance

Corporate support services	$	10
Labor and benefits	6
Energy efficiency, offset in revenues above	4
Miscellaneous operations and maintenance expense, including bad debt expense	3
Nine days in January 2022 for Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses due to sale	3
Contract services	1
Pass-through expense, offset in revenues above	(9)
Total	$	18
Depreciation and amortization
Incremental capital projects placed in service	$	(12)
Nine days in January 2022 for Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses due to sale	2

Total	$	(10)
Taxes other than income taxes
Gross receipts tax, offset in revenues above	$	6
Nine days in January 2022 for Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses due to sale	1

Total	$	7
Gain on sale
Net gain on sale of Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses	$	(303)
Total	$	(303)
Interest expense and other finance charges
Changes in outstanding debt	$	(29)
Other, primarily AFUDC and impacts of regulatory deferrals	15
Total	$	(14)



Other income (expense), net
AFUDC - Equity, primarily from increased capital spend	$	2

Total	$	2

Income Tax Expense. For a discussion of effective tax rate per period by Registrant, see Note 12 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

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HOUSTON ELECTRIC’S MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS

OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Houston Electric’s CODM views net income as the measure of profit or loss for its single reportable segment. Houston Electric’s results of operations are affected by seasonal fluctuations in the demand for electricity. Houston Electric’s results of operations are also affected by, among other things, the actions of various governmental authorities having jurisdiction over rates Houston Electric charges, debt service costs, income tax expense, Houston Electric’s ability to collect receivables from REPs and Houston Electric’s ability to recover its regulatory assets. For more information regarding factors that may affect the future results of operations of Houston Electric’s business, please read “Risk Factors — Risk Factors Affecting Operations - Electric Generation, Transmission and Distribution,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Regulatory, Environmental and Legal Risks,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Financial, Economic and Market Risks,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Safety and Security Risks” and “— General and Other Risks” in Item 1A of Part I of the Registrants’ combined 2022 Form 10-K.


	Three Months Ended March 31,
			2023			2022			Favorable (Unfavorable)
		(in millions, except operating statistics)
Revenues:
TDU			$	760		$	693		$	67
Bond Companies			32			53			(21)
Total revenues			792			746			46
Expenses:
Operation and maintenance, excluding Bond Companies			380			394			14
Depreciation and amortization, excluding Bond Companies			129			114			(15)
Taxes other than income taxes			64			63			(1)
Bond Companies			30			49			19
Total expenses			603			620			17
Operating Income			189			126			63
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense and other finance charges			(53)			(48)			(5)
Interest expense on Securitization Bonds			(2)			(4)			2


Other income, net			7			4			3
Income Before Income Taxes			141			78			63
Income tax expense			33			17			(16)
Net Income			$	108		$	61		$	47
Throughput (in GWh):
Residential			5,652			5,988			(6)		%
Total			20,650			21,934			(6)		%
Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area):
Cooling degree days			134		%	62		%	72		%
Heating degree days			88		%	129		%	(41)		%
Number of metered customers at end of period:
Residential			2,414,905			2,370,818			2		%
Total			2,720,041			2,673,393			2		%

The following table provides variance explanations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to three months ended March 31, 2022 by major income statement caption for Houston Electric:


	Favorable (Unfavorable)

	(in millions)
Revenues
Transmission Revenues, including TCOS and TCRF, inclusive of costs billed by transmission providers	$	55
Customer rates	16

Customer growth	6

Equity return, related to the annual true-up of transition charges for amounts over or under collected in prior periods	(2)

Weather impacts and other usage	(8)


Bond Companies, offset in other line items below	(21)

Total	$	46
Operation and maintenance, excluding Bond Companies
All other operation and maintenance expense, including materials and supplies and insurance	$	19
Labor and benefits	8
Support services, primarily information technology cost	4
Contract services	2



Transmission costs billed by transmission providers, offset in revenues above	(19)
Total	$	14
Depreciation and amortization, excluding Bond Companies
Ongoing additions to plant-in-service	$	(15)
Total	$	(15)
Taxes other than income taxes
Franchise fees and other taxes	$	(1)

Total	$	(1)
Bond Companies expense
Operations and maintenance and depreciation expense, offset in revenues above	$	19
	$	19
Interest expense and other finance charges
Changes in outstanding debt	$	(13)
Other, primarily AFUDC, impacts of regulatory deferrals	8
Total	$	(5)




Interest expense on Securitization Bonds
Lower outstanding principal balance, offset in revenues above	$	2
Total	$	2
Other income, net
Other income, including AFUDC - Equity	$	3


Total	$	3

Income Tax Expense. For a discussion of effective tax rate per period, see Note 12 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

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CERC’S MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

CERC’s CODM views net income as the measure of profit or loss for its single reportable segment. CERC’s results of operations are affected by seasonal fluctuations in the demand for natural gas. CERC’s results of operations are also affected by, among other things, the actions of various federal, state and local governmental authorities having jurisdiction over rates CERC charges, debt service costs and income tax expense, CERC’s ability to collect receivables from customers and CERC’s ability to recover its regulatory assets. As a result of the Restructuring further discussed in Note 1 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements, prior year amounts have been recast. For more information regarding factors that may affect the future results of operations for CERC’s business, please read “Risk Factors — Risk Factors Affecting Operations - Natural Gas,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Regulatory, Environmental and Legal Risks,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Financial, Economic and Market Risks,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Safety and Security Risks” and “— General and Other Risks” in Item 1A of Part I of the Registrants’ combined 2022 Form 10-K.


	Three Months Ended March 31,
			2023			2022			Favorable (Unfavorable)
		(in millions, except operating statistics)
Revenues			$	1,717		$	1,763		$	(46)
Expenses:
Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power			998			1,033			35
Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas			1			1			—
Operation and maintenance			218			239			21
Depreciation and amortization			118			107			(11)
Taxes other than income taxes			69			75			6
Total expenses			1,404			1,455			51
Operating Income			313			308			5
Other Income (Expense):
Gain on sale			—			557			(557)
Interest expense and other finance charges			(42)			(28)			(14)

Other income, net			1			—			1
Income Before Income Taxes			272			837			(565)
Income tax expense			60			206			146


Net Income			$	212		$	631		$	(419)
Throughput (in Bcf):
Residential			94			120			(22)		%
Commercial and Industrial			125			125			—		%
Total			219			245			(11)		%
Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area):
Heating degree days			89		%	110		%	(21)		%
Number of metered customers at end of period:
Residential			3,869,044			3,822,000			1		%
Commercial and Industrial			292,014			286,626			2		%
Total			4,161,058			4,108,626			1		%

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The following table provides variance explanations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to three months ended March 31, 2022 by major income statement caption for CERC:


	Favorable (Unfavorable)

	(in millions)
Revenues
Nine days in January 2022 for Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses due to sale	$	(38)
Weather and usage	(17)
Cost of natural gas, offset in utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power below	(12)
Gross receipts tax, offset in taxes other than income taxes below	(5)
Energy efficiency, offset in operation and maintenance below	(4)

Non-volumetric and miscellaneous revenue	(1)
Changes in non-utility revenues	2

Pass-through revenues, offset in operation and maintenance below	6
Customer growth	8
Customer rates and impact of the change in rate design	15
Total	$	(46)
Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power
Nine days in January 2022 for Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses due to sale	$	23
Cost of natural gas, offset in revenues above	12


Total	$	35



Operation and maintenance
Corporate support services	$	9
Labor and benefits	6
Energy efficiency, offset in revenues above	4
Nine days in January 2022 for Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses due to sale	3
Miscellaneous operations and maintenance expense, including bad debt expense	3
Contract services	2
Pass-through expense, offset in revenues above	(6)



Total	$	21
Depreciation and amortization
Incremental capital projects placed in service	$	(13)
Nine days in January 2022 for Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses due to sale	2

Total	$	(11)
Taxes other than income taxes
Gross receipts tax, offset in revenues above	$	5

Nine days in January 2022 for Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses due to sale	1
Total	$	6
Gain on sale
Net gain on sale of Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses	$	(557)
Total	$	(557)
Interest expense and other finance charges
Changes in outstanding debt	$	(29)
Other, primarily AFUDC and impacts of regulatory deferrals	15
Total	$	(14)



Other income (expense), net
AFUDC - Equity, primarily from increased capital spend	$	1

Total	$	1

Income Tax Expense. For a discussion of effective tax rate per period, see Note 12 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

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CERTAIN FACTORS AFFECTING FUTURE EARNINGS

For information on other developments, factors and trends that may have an impact on the Registrants’ future earnings, please read “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Certain Factors Affecting Future Earnings” in Item 7 of Part II and “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of the Registrants’ combined 2022 Form 10-K, in Item 1A of Part II of this combined Form 10-Q and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” in this combined Form 10-Q.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Historical Cash Flows

As a result of the Restructuring further discussed in Note 1 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements, prior year amounts for CERC have been recast. The following table summarizes the net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2023						2022
	CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC		CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC
	(in millions)
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities	$	1,713	$	94	$	1,531	$	580	$	73	$	484
Investing activities	(1,155)		(905)		(423)		1,934		(848)		1,779
Financing activities	(519)		847		(1,107)		(2,621)		664		(2,273)

Operating Activities. The following items contributed to increased (decreased) net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022:


	CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC
	(in millions)
Changes in net income after adjusting for non-cash items	$	147	$	53	$	(37)
Changes in working capital	121		(15)		41
Change in net regulatory assets and liabilities (1)	890		(20)		1,038





Other	(25)		3		5
	$	1,133	$	21	$	1,047

(1)This change is primarily related to the receipt of the Texas securitization proceeds at CenterPoint Energy and CERC. For further details, see Note 6 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Investing Activities. The following items contributed to (increased) decreased net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022:


	CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC
	(in millions)
Proceeds from the sale of equity securities	$	(702)	$	—	$	—

Capital expenditures	(277)		(96)		(113)
Net change in notes receivable from affiliated companies	—		41		(30)


Proceeds from divestitures	(2,060)		—		(2,060)


Other	(50)		(2)		1
	$	(3,089)	$	(57)	$	(2,202)

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Financing Activities. The following items contributed to (increased) decreased net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022:


	CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC
	(in millions)
Net changes in commercial paper outstanding	$	626	$	—	$	(29)


Net changes in long-term debt and term loans outstanding, excluding commercial paper	1,311		144		348


Net changes in debt issuance costs	(8)		1		(9)
Net changes in short-term borrowings	32		—		32
Proceeds from government grants	—		—		—
Payment of obligation for finance lease	171		171		—
Increased payment of common stock dividends	(13)		—		—

Net change in notes payable from affiliated companies	—		(130)		270
Contribution from parent	—		13		—
Dividend to parent	—		(14)		554


Other	(17)		(2)		—
	$	2,102	$	183	$	1,166

Future Sources and Uses of Cash

The liquidity and capital requirements of the Registrants are affected primarily by results of operations, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, tax payments, working capital needs and various regulatory actions. Capital expenditures are expected to be used for investment in infrastructure. These capital expenditures are anticipated to maintain reliability and safety, increase resiliency and expand our systems through value-added projects. In addition to dividend payments on CenterPoint Energy’s Series A Preferred Stock and Common Stock and interest payments on debt, the Registrants’ principal anticipated cash requirements for the remaining nine months of 2023 include the following:


	CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC
	(in millions)
Estimated capital expenditures	$	2,571	$	1,210	$	1,088
Scheduled principal payments on Securitization Bonds	156		156		—
Maturing senior notes	57		—		57
Minimum contributions to pension plans and other post-retirement plans	11		1		3

The Registrants expect that anticipated cash needs for the remaining nine months of 2023 will be met with borrowings under their credit facilities, proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt, term loans, anticipated cash flows from operations, and, with respect to CenterPoint Energy and CERC, proceeds from commercial paper. Discretionary financing or refinancing may result in the issuance of debt securities of the Registrants in the capital markets or the arrangement of additional credit facilities or term bank loans. Issuances of debt in the capital markets, funds raised in the commercial paper markets and additional credit facilities may not, however, be available on acceptable terms.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Other than Houston Electric’s general mortgage bonds issued as collateral for tax-exempt long-term debt of CenterPoint Energy as discussed in Note 11 and guarantees as discussed in Note 13(b) to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements, we have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

Regulatory Matters

February 2021 Winter Storm Event

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

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Indiana Electric Securitization of Planned Generation Retirements (CenterPoint Energy)

For further information about the Indiana Electric Securitization, see Note 6 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Indiana Electric CPCN (CenterPoint Energy)

BTAs

On February 23, 2021, Indiana Electric filed a CPCN with the IURC seeking approval to purchase the Posey Solar project. On October 27, 2021, the IURC issued an order approving the CPCN, authorizing Indiana Electric to purchase the Posey Solar project through a BTA to acquire its solar array assets for a fixed purchase price and approved recovery of costs via a levelized rate over the anticipated 35-year life. Due to community feedback and rising project costs caused by inflation and supply chain issues affecting the energy industry, Indiana Electric, along with Arevon, the developer, announced plans in January 2022 to downsize the Posey Solar project to 191 MW. Indiana Electric collaboratively agreed to the scope change, and on February 1, 2023, Indiana Electric entered into an amended and restated BTA that is contingent on further IURC review and approval. On February 7, 2023, Indiana Electric filed a CPCN with the IURC to approve the amended BTA. With the passage of the IRA, Indiana Electric can now pursue PTCs for solar projects. Indiana Electric will request that project costs, net of PTCs, be recovered in rate base rather than a levelized rate, through base rates or the CECA mechanism, depending on which provides more timely recovery. The Posey Solar project is expected to be placed in service in 2025.

On July 5, 2022, Indiana Electric entered into a BTA to acquire a 130 MW solar array in Pike County, Indiana through a special purpose entity for a capped purchase price. A CPCN for the project was filed with the IURC on July 29, 2022. On September 21, 2022, an agreement in principle was reached resolving all the issues between Indiana Electric and OUCC. The Stipulation and Settlement agreement was filed on October 6, 2022 and a settlement hearing was held on November 1, 2022. On January 11, 2023, the IURC issued an order approving the settlement agreement granting Indiana Electric to purchase and acquire the Pike County solar project through a BTA and approved the estimated cost. The IURC also designated the project as a clean energy project under Ind. Code Ch. 8-1-8.8, approved the proposed levelized rate and associated ratemaking and accounting treatment. The project is expected to be placed in service by the first quarter of 2025.

On January 10, 2023, Indiana Electric filed a CPCN with the IURC to acquire a wind energy generating facility through a BTA, consistent with its 2019/2020 IRP that calls for up to 300 MWs of wind generation. The wind project is located in MISO’s Central Region. Commercial operation is expected in 2025. Indiana Electric has requested recovery via the CECA mechanism or through base rates in the next general rate case, depending on which provides more timely recovery. As of the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q, Indiana Electric has not entered into any definitive agreement relating to this wind energy generating facility, and it is not certain that a definitive agreement will be entered into at all.

PPAs

Indiana Electric also sought approval in February 2021 for a 100 MW solar PPA with Clenera LLC in Warrick County, Indiana. The request accounted for increased cost of debt related to this PPA, which provides equivalent equity return to offset imputed debt during the 25 year life of the PPA. In October 2021, the IURC approved the Warrick County solar PPA but denied the request to preemptively offset imputed debt in the PPA cost. Due to rising project costs caused by inflation and supply chain issues affecting the energy industry, Clenera and Indiana Electric were compelled to renegotiate terms of the agreement to increase the PPA price. On January 17, 2023, Indiana Electric filed a request with the IURC to amend the previously approved PPA with certain modifications. Revised purchase power costs are requested to be recovered through the fuel adjustment clause proceedings over the term of the amended PPA. The amended PPA will be brought before the IURC in a fully docketed proceeding in the second quarter of 2023. The Clenera solar array is expected to be placed in service in the second quarter of 2025.

On August 25, 2021, Indiana Electric filed with the IURC seeking approval to purchase 185 MW of solar power, under a 15-year PPA, from Oriden, which is developing a solar project in Vermillion County, Indiana, and 150 MW of solar power, under a 20-year PPA, from Origis, which is developing a solar project in Knox County, Indiana. On May 4, 2022, the IURC issued an order approving Indiana Electric to enter into both PPAs. In March 2022, when the results of the MISO interconnection study were completed, Origis advised Indiana Electric that the costs to construct the solar project in Knox County, Indiana had increased. The increase was largely driven by escalating commodity and supply chain costs impacting manufacturers worldwide. In August 2022, Indiana Electric and Origis entered into an amended PPA, which reiterated the terms contained in the 2021 PPA with certain modifications. On October 19, 2022, Indiana Electric filed with the IURC seeking approval of the amended PPA with Origis and a hearing was held on January 4, 2023. On February 22, 2023, the IURC issued an order authorizing CEI South to (i) enter into the amended PPA with Origis; (ii) recover the cost of the amended PPA over its full term as proposed; and (iii) use the proposed ratemaking treatment. On January 17, 2023, Indiana Electric filed a request

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with the IURC to amend the previously approved PPA with Oriden with certain modifications. Revised purchase power costs are requested to be recovered through the fuel adjustment clause proceedings over the term of the amended PPA with Oriden. The amended PPA with Oriden will be brought before the IURC in a fully docketed proceeding in the second quarter of 2023 and an order is anticipated to be issued by the third quarter of 2023. The Oriden solar array is expected to be placed in service in the second quarter of 2025 and the Origis solar array is expected to be placed in service by the third quarter of 2024.

Natural Gas Combustion Turbines

On June 17, 2021, Indiana Electric filed a CPCN with the IURC seeking approval to construct two natural gas combustion turbines to replace portions of its existing coal-fired generation fleet. On June 28, 2022, the IURC approved the CPCN. The estimated $334 million turbine facility is planned to be constructed at the current site of the A.B. Brown power plant in Posey County, Indiana and would provide a combined output of 460 MW. Indiana Electric received approval for depreciation expense and post in-service carrying costs to be deferred in a regulatory asset until the date Indiana South’s base rates include a return on and recovery of depreciation expense on the facility. A new approximately 23.5 mile pipeline will be constructed and operated by Texas Gas Transmission, LLC to supply natural gas to the turbine facility. FERC granted a certificate to construct the pipeline on October 20, 2022. A party to the proceeding filed a petition for review of FERC’s order with the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia on February 21, 2023. Indiana Electric granted its contractor a full notice to proceed to construct the turbines on December 9, 2022. The facility is targeted to be operational by year end 2025. Recovery of the proposed natural gas combustion turbines and regulatory asset will be requested in the next Indiana Electric rate case expected in 2023.

Culley Unit 3 Operations

In June 2022, F.B. Culley Unit 3, an Indiana Electric coal-fired electric generation unit with an installed generating capacity of 270 MW, experienced an operating issue relating to its boiler feed pump turbine. The unit returned to service in March 2023.

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

On December 17, 2020, Houston Electric filed a certificate of convenience and necessity application with the PUCT for approval to build a 345 kV transmission line in Wharton County, Texas connecting the Hillje substation on Houston Electric’s transmission system to the planned 610 MW Space City Solar Generation facility being developed by third-party developer EDF Renewables. The actual capital costs of the project will depend on actual land acquisition costs, construction costs, and other factors. In November 2021, the PUCT approved a route that was estimated to cost $25 million and issued a final order on January 12, 2022. There have been project delays due to supply chain constraints in the developer acquiring solar panels. Houston Electric expects to complete construction and the transmission line will be ready to be energized by the end of 2023.

Texas Legislation (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric)

Houston Electric continues to review the effects of legislation passed in 2021 and will be reviewing proposed bills that have been submitted during the current 2023 legislative session as applicable. For example, pursuant to legislation passed in 2021, Houston Electric entered into two leases for TEEEF (mobile generation). Additionally, the 2021 legislation allows Houston Electric to seek recovery of transmission and distribution facilities that have a lead time of at least six months and would aid in restoring power to Houston Electric’s distribution customers following certain widespread power outages. Houston Electric plans to seek recovery of costs associated with long-lead time facilities in a future DCRF or ratemaking proceeding. For additional information, see Note 6 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Minnesota Legislation (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)

The Natural Gas Innovation Act was passed by the Minnesota legislature in June 2021 with bipartisan support. This law establishes a regulatory framework to enable the state’s investor-owned natural gas utilities to provide customers with access to renewable energy resources and innovative technologies, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing the state’s clean energy future. Specifically, the Natural Gas Innovation Act allows a natural gas utility to submit an innovation plan for approval by the MPUC which could propose the use of renewable energy resources and innovative technologies such as:

•renewable natural gas (produces energy from organic materials such as wastewater, agricultural manure, food waste, agricultural or forest waste);

•renewable hydrogen gas (produces energy from water through electrolysis with renewable electricity such as solar);

•energy efficiency measures (avoids energy consumption in excess of the utility’s existing conservation programs); and

•innovative technologies (reduces or avoids greenhouse gas emissions using technologies such as carbon capture).

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CERC expects to submit its first innovation plan to the MPUC in 2023. The maximum allowable cost for an innovation plan will start at 1.75% of the utility's revenue in the state and could increase to 4% by 2033, subject to review and approval by the MPUC.

Solar Panel Issues (CenterPoint Energy)

CenterPoint Energy’s current and future solar projects have been impacted by delays and/or increased costs. The delays and inflationary cost pressures communicated from the developers of our solar projects are primarily due to (i) unavailability of solar panels and other uncertainties related to the pending DOC investigation on anti-dumping and countervailing duties petition filed by a domestic solar manufacturer, (ii) the December 2021 Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act on solar modules and other products manufactured in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and (iii) persistent general global supply chain and labor availability issues. On December 2, 2022, the DOC issued its preliminary determination, finding four of the eight companies being investigated are attempting to bypass U.S. duties; however, the investigation continues with the DOC’s final determination expected in May 2023. In June 2022, President Biden authorized an executive order which would suspend anti-circumvention tariffs on solar panels for two years; however, the executive order could be subject to legal and legislative challenges and its effects remain uncertain. The resolution of these issues will determine what additional costs or delays our solar projects will be subject to. These impacts have resulted in cost increases for certain projects, and may result in cost increases in other projects, and such impacts have resulted in, or are expected to result in, the need for us to seek additional regulatory review and approvals. Additionally, significant changes to project costs and schedules as a result of these factors could impact the viability of the projects. For more information regarding potential delays, cancellations and supply chain disruptions, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Registrants’ 2022 Form 10-K.

Rate Change Applications

The Registrants are routinely involved in rate change applications before state regulatory authorities. Those applications include general rate cases, where the entire cost of service of the utility is assessed and reset. In addition, Registrants are periodically involved in proceedings to adjust its capital tracking mechanisms (e.g., CSIA, DCRF, DRR, GRIP, TCOS and TDSIC), its cost of service adjustments (e.g., RSP and RRA), its decoupling mechanism (e.g., Decoupling and SRC), and its energy efficiency cost trackers (e.g., CIP, DSMA, EECR, EECRF, EEFC and EEFR). The table below reflects significant applications pending or completed since the Registrants’ combined 2022 Form 10-K was filed with the SEC through the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q.

Mechanism

Annual Increase (Decrease) (1)

(in millions)

Filing
Date

Effective Date

Approval Date

Additional Information

CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric (PUCT)

DCRF (1)

April
2023

TBD

The net change in distribution invested capital since its last base rate proceeding of approximately $1.9 billion for the period January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2022 for a revenue increase of $85 million, adjusted for load growth.

TEEEF (1)

149

April
2023

TBD

A total Rider TEEEF revenue requirement of $188 million for cost incurred through December 31, 2022. The revenue change between the rates resulting from the 2022 TEEEF and this application is $149 million.

TCOS (1)

March 2023

TBD

Based on net change in invested capital of $367 million for the period August 1, 2022 through January 31, 2023.

DCRF

117

April
2022

April
2023

April 2023

As amended on July 1, 2022, the net change in distribution invested capital since its last base rate proceeding of over $1 billion for the period January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2021 for a revenue increase of $86 million, adjusted for load growth. In addition, the request includes approximately $200 million in TEEEF during the calendar year ended December 31, 2021 representing a revenue increase of $57 million. The requested overall revenue increase is $142 million with a proposed effective date of September 1, 2022. On July 11, 2022, a partial settlement was filed resolving the non-TEEEF issues. The settlement provides for a black box reduction to the revenue requirement of $7.8 million for a revenue increase of $78 million and a September 1, 2022 effective date for rates. A hearing on TEEEF issues was held on October 18 through 20, 2022. Briefs were filed on November 16, 2022 and reply briefs were filed on December 2, 2022. On January 27, 2023, the administrative law judges issued a PFD recommending that the leasing of the TEEEF was not prudent or reasonable and necessary and that the PUCT deny recovery of all of the TEEEF costs. On March 9, 2023, the PUCT verbally reversed the PFD in part and approved recovery of TEEEF. A final order was issued on April 5, 2023 approving a TEEEF revenue requirement of $39 million with rates effective April 15, 2023.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Beaumont/East Texas, South Texas, Houston and Texas Coast (Railroad Commission)

GRIP (1)

March 2023

TBD

Based on net change in invested capital for calendar year 2022 of $390 million.

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Mechanism

Annual Increase (Decrease) (1)

(in millions)

Filing
Date

Effective Date

Approval Date

Additional Information

CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Louisiana (LPSC)

RSP

September 2022

April
2023

April 2023

Based on ROE of 9.95% with 50 basis point (+/-) earnings band. The North Louisiana increase, net of TCJA effects considered outside of the earnings band, is $3 million based on a test year ended June 2022 and adjusted ROE of 7.05%. The South Louisiana increase, net of TCJA effects considered outside of the earnings band, is $5 million based on a test year ended June 2022 and adjusted ROE of 4.19%. The TCJA refund impact to North Louisiana and South Louisiana was $1 million and $1 million, respectively. North Louisiana and South Louisiana also seek to recover regulatory assets due to COVID-19 bad debt expenses in the amounts of $0.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively. Interim rates implemented on December 28, 2022, subject to refund. On April 5, 2023 the LPSC issued an order approving a joint settlement for $2.7 million in North Louisiana and $4.6 million in South Louisiana in addition to the full impacts of TCJA and COVID-19 recoveries.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Indiana South - Gas (IURC)

CSIA (1)

April
2023

TBD

Requested an increase of $33 million to rate base, which reflects approximately $3 million annual increase in current revenues. 80% of revenue requirement is included in requested rate increase and 20% is deferred until the next rate case. The mechanism also includes a change in (over)/under-recovery variance of $1 million annually. Also included are unrecovered deferred O&M expenses of $9 million. OUCC to file on June 2, 2023. Rebuttal testimony to be filed June 16, 2023. A hearing will be scheduled during June 2023.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Indiana North - Gas (IURC)

CSIA (1)

April
2023

TBD

Requested an increase of $95 million to rate base, which reflects approximately $9 million annual increase in current revenues. 80% of revenue requirement is included in requested rate increase and 20% is deferred until the next rate case. The mechanism also includes a change in (over)/under-recovery variance of $5 million annually. Also included are unrecovered deferred O&M expenses of $20 million. OUCC to file on June 2, 2023. Rebuttal testimony to be filed June 16, 2023. A hearing will be scheduled during June 2023.

CenterPoint Energy - Indiana Electric (IURC)

TDSIC (1)

February 2023

TBD

Requested an increase of $31 million to rate base, which reflects a $5 million annual increase in current revenues. 80% of the revenue requirement is included in requested rate increase and 20% is deferred until next rate case. The mechanism also includes a change in (over)/under-recovery variance and a tax reform credit for a total of ($1 million).

CECA (1)

—

February 2023

TBD

Requested an increase of less than $1 million to rate base, which reflects an annual increase of less than $1 million in current revenues. The mechanism also includes a change in (over)/under-recovery variance of less than ($1 million).

(1)Represents proposed increases (decreases) when effective date and/or approval date is not yet determined. Approved rates could differ materially from proposed rates.

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

On August 16, 2022, the IRA was signed into law. The new law extends or creates tax-related energy incentives for solar, wind and alternative clean energy sources, implements, subject to certain exceptions, a 1% tax on share repurchases after December 31, 2022, and implements a 15% corporate alternative minimum tax based on the AFSI of those corporations with an average AFSI of $1 billion over the most recent three-year period (i.e., the CAMT). The IRA did not have a material impact on the Registrants’ 2022 financial results and no material impact is expected for 2023 financial results. The Registrants may be currently subject to the CAMT, pending future guidance relating to comments requested in response to Notice 2023-7. If the Registrants are subject to the CAMT for 2023, the calculation of regular tax will exceed minimum tax for 2023; therefore, no minimum tax is expected to be paid. Further guidance on the tax provisions of the IRA is expected and the Registrants continue to evaluate the IRA provisions for the effect on their future financial results.

Greenhouse Gas Regulation and Compliance (CenterPoint Energy)

On August 3, 2015, the EPA released its CPP rule, which required a 32% reduction in carbon emissions from 2005 levels. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on October 23, 2015, and that action was immediately followed by litigation ultimately resulting in the U.S. Supreme Court staying implementation of the rule. On July 8, 2019, the EPA published the ACE rule, which (i) repealed the CPP rule; (ii) replaced the CPP rule with a program that requires states to implement a program of energy efficiency improvement targets for individual coal-fired electric generating units; and (iii) amended the implementing regulations for Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. On January 19, 2021, the majority of the ACE

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rule — including the CPP repeal, CPP replacement, and the timing-related portions of the Section 111(d) implementing rule — was struck down by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and on October 29, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to consider four petitions filed by various coal interests and a coalition of 19 states. On June 30, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the EPA exceeded its authority in promulgating the CPP. The EPA has announced it plans on issuing new greenhouse gas rules in the future.

The Biden administration recommitted the United States to the Paris Agreement, which can be expected to drive a renewed regulatory push to require further GHG emission reductions from the energy sector and proceeded to lead negotiations at the global climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland. On April 22, 2021, President Biden announced new goals of 50% reduction of economy-wide GHG emissions, and 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035, which formed the basis of the U.S. commitments announced in Glasgow. In September 2021, CenterPoint Energy announced its net zero emissions goals for both Scope 1 and certain Scope 2 emissions by 2035 as well as a goal to reduce certain Scope 3 emissions by 20% to 30% by 2035. Because Texas is an unregulated market, CenterPoint Energy’s Scope 2 estimates do not take into account Texas electric transmission and distribution assets in the line loss calculation and, in addition, exclude emissions related to purchased power in Indiana between 2024 and 2026 as estimated. CenterPoint Energy’s Scope 3 estimates are based on the total natural gas supply delivered to residential and commercial customers as reported in the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Form EIA-176 reports and do not take into account the emissions of transport customers and emissions related to upstream extraction. These emission goals are expected to be used to position CenterPoint Energy to comply with anticipated future regulatory requirements from the current and future administrations to further reduce GHG emissions. CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s revenues, operating costs and capital requirements could be adversely affected as a result of any regulatory action that would require installation of new control technologies or a modification of their operations or would have the effect of reducing the consumption of natural gas. The IRA established the Methane Emissions Reduction Program, which imposes a charge on methane emissions from certain natural gas transmission facilities, and the EPA has proposed new regulations targeting reductions in methane emissions, which if implemented will increase costs related to production, transmission and storage of natural gas. Houston Electric, in contrast to some electric utilities including Indiana Electric, does not generate electricity, other than TEEEF, and thus is not directly exposed to the risk of high capital costs and regulatory uncertainties that face electric utilities that burn fossil fuels to generate electricity. CenterPoint Energy’s net zero emissions goals are aligned with Indiana Electric’s generation transition plan and are expected to position Indiana Electric to comply with anticipated future regulatory requirements related to GHG emissions reductions. Nevertheless, Houston Electric’s and Indiana Electric’s revenues could be adversely affected to the extent any resulting regulatory action has the effect of reducing consumption of electricity by ultimate consumers within their respective service territories. Likewise, incentives to conserve energy or to use energy sources other than natural gas could result in a decrease in demand for the Registrants’ services. For example, Minnesota has enacted the Natural Gas Innovation Act that seeks to provide customers with access to renewable energy resources and innovative technologies, with the goal of reducing GHG emissions. Further, certain local government bodies have introduced or are considering requirements and/or incentives to reduce energy consumption by certain specified dates. For example, Minneapolis has adopted carbon emission reduction goals in an effort to decrease reliance on fossil gas. Additionally, cities in Minnesota within CenterPoint Energy’s Natural Gas operational footprint are considering initiatives to eliminate natural gas use in buildings and focus on electrification. Also, Minnesota cities may consider seeking legislative authority for the ability to enact voluntary enhanced energy standards for all development projects. These initiatives could have a significant impact on CenterPoint Energy and its operations, and this impact could increase if other cities and jurisdictions in its service area enact similar initiatives. Further, our third party suppliers, vendors and partners may also be impacted by climate change laws and regulations, which could impact CenterPoint Energy’s business by, among other things, causing permitting and construction delays, project cancellations or increased project costs passed on to CenterPoint Energy. Conversely, regulatory actions that effectively promote the consumption of natural gas because of its lower emissions characteristics would be expected to benefit CenterPoint Energy and CERC and their natural gas-related businesses. At this time, however, we cannot quantify the magnitude of the impacts from possible new regulatory actions related to GHG emissions, either positive or negative, on the Registrants’ businesses.

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

Climate Change Trends and Uncertainties

As a result of increased awareness regarding climate change, coupled with adverse economic conditions, availability of alternative energy sources, including private solar, microturbines, fuel cells, energy-efficient buildings and energy storage

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

To address these developments, CenterPoint Energy announced its net zero emissions goals for both Scope 1 and certain Scope 2 emissions by 2035. Indiana Electric’s 2019/2020 IRP identified a preferred portfolio that retires 730 MW of coal-fired generation facilities and replaces these resources with a mix of generating resources composed primarily of renewables, including solar, wind, and solar with storage, supported by dispatchable natural gas combustion turbines including a pipeline to serve such natural gas generation. Indiana Electric continues to execute on its 2019/2020 IRP and has received initial approvals for 756 MWs of the 700-1,000 MWs identified within Indiana Electric’s 2019/2020 IRP. Additionally, as reflected in its 10-year capital plan announced in September 2021, CenterPoint Energy anticipates spending over $3 billion in clean energy investments and enablement, which may be used to support, among other things, renewable energy generation and electric vehicle expansion. CenterPoint Energy believes its planned investments in renewable energy generation and corresponding planned reduction in its GHG emissions as part of its net zero emissions goals support global efforts to reduce the impacts of climate change.

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

Other Matters

Credit Facilities

The Registrants may draw on their respective revolving credit facilities from time to time to provide funds used for general corporate and limited liability company purposes, including to backstop CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s commercial paper programs. The facilities may also be utilized to obtain letters of credit. For further details related to the Registrants’ revolving credit facilities, see Note 11 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

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Based on the consolidated debt to capitalization covenant in the Registrants’ revolving credit facilities, the Registrants would have been permitted to utilize the full capacity of such revolving credit facilities, which aggregated approximately $4.0 billion as of March 31, 2023. As of April 19, 2023, the Registrants had the following revolving credit facilities and utilization of such facilities:


			Amount Utilized as of April 19, 2023
Registrant	Size of Facility		Loans		Letters of Credit		Commercial Paper		Weighted Average Interest Rate	Termination Date
	(in millions)
CenterPoint Energy	$	2,400	$	—	$	11	$	1,248	5.29%	December 6, 2027
CenterPoint Energy (1)	250		—		—		—		—%	December 6, 2027


Houston Electric	300		—		—		—		—%	December 6, 2027
CERC	1,050		—		1		—		—%	December 6, 2027
Total	$	4,000	$	—	$	12	$	1,248

(1)This credit facility was issued by SIGECO.

Borrowings under each of the revolving credit facilities are subject to customary terms and conditions. However, there is no requirement that the borrower makes representations prior to borrowing as to the absence of material adverse changes or litigation that could be expected to have a material adverse effect. Borrowings under each of the revolving credit facilities are subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of events of default that we consider customary. The revolving credit facilities also provide for customary fees, including commitment fees, administrative agent fees, fees in respect of letters of credit and other fees. In each of the revolving credit facilities, the spread to SOFR and the commitment fees fluctuate based on the borrower’s credit rating. Each of the Registrant’s credit facilities provide for a mechanism to replace SOFR with possible alternative benchmarks upon certain benchmark replacement events. The borrowers are currently in compliance with the various business and financial covenants in the four revolving credit facilities.

Debt Transactions

For detailed information about the Registrants’ debt transactions to date in 2023, see Note 11 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Securities Registered with the SEC

On May 22, 2020, the Registrants filed a joint shelf registration statement with the SEC registering indeterminate principal amounts of Houston Electric’s general mortgage bonds, CERC Corp.’s senior debt securities and CenterPoint Energy’s senior debt securities and junior subordinated debt securities and an indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock, shares of preferred stock, depositary shares, as well as stock purchase contracts and equity units. The joint shelf registration statement will expire on May 22, 2023. For information related to the Registrants’ debt issuances in 2022, see Note 11 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Temporary Investments

As of April 19, 2023, the Registrants had no temporary investments.

Money Pool

The Registrants participate in a money pool through which they and certain of their subsidiaries can borrow or invest on a short-term basis. Funding needs are aggregated and external borrowing or investing is based on the net cash position. The net funding requirements of the CenterPoint Energy money pool are expected to be met with borrowings under CenterPoint Energy’s revolving credit facility or the sale of CenterPoint Energy’s commercial paper. The net funding requirements of the CERC money pool are expected to be met with borrowings under CERC’s revolving credit facility or the sale of CERC’s commercial paper. The money pool may not provide sufficient funds to meet the Registrants’ cash needs.

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The table below summarizes CenterPoint Energy money pool activity by Registrant as of April 19, 2023:


	Weighted Average Interest Rate	Houston Electric		CERC
		(in millions)
Money pool investments	5.34%	$	188	$	191

Impact on Liquidity of a Downgrade in Credit Ratings

The interest rate on borrowings under the credit facilities is based on each respective borrower’s credit ratings. As of April 19, 2023, Moody’s, S&P and Fitch had assigned the following credit ratings to the borrowers:

Moody’s

S&P

Fitch

Registrant

Borrower/Instrument

Rating

Outlook (1)

Rating

Outlook (2)

Rating

Outlook (3)

CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy Senior Unsecured Debt

Baa2

Stable

BBB

Stable

BBB

Stable

CenterPoint Energy

Vectren Corp. Issuer Rating

n/a

BBB+

Stable

n/a

CenterPoint Energy

SIGECO Senior Secured Debt

Stable

n/a

Houston Electric

Houston Electric Senior Secured Debt

Stable

CERC

CERC Corp. Senior Unsecured Debt

Stable

BBB+

Stable

A-

Stable

CERC

Indiana Gas Senior Unsecured Debt

n/a

BBB+

Stable

n/a

(1)A Moody’s rating outlook is an opinion regarding the likely direction of an issuer’s rating over the medium term.

(2)An S&P outlook assesses the potential direction of a long-term credit rating over the intermediate to longer term.

(3)A Fitch rating outlook indicates the direction a rating is likely to move over a one- to two-year period.

The Registrants cannot assure that the ratings set forth above will remain in effect for any given period of time or that one or more of these ratings will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency. The Registrants note that these credit ratings are included for informational purposes and are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold the Registrants’ securities and may be revised or withdrawn at any time by the rating agency. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. Any future reduction or withdrawal of one or more of the Registrants’ credit ratings could have a material adverse impact on the Registrants’ ability to obtain short- and long-term financing, the cost of such financings and the execution of the Registrants’ commercial strategies.

A decline in credit ratings could increase borrowing costs under the Registrants’ revolving credit facilities. If the Registrants’ credit ratings had been downgraded one notch by S&P and Moody’s from the ratings that existed as of March 31, 2023, the impact on the borrowing costs under the three revolving credit facilities would have been insignificant. A decline in credit ratings would also increase the interest rate on long-term debt to be issued in the capital markets and could negatively impact the Registrants’ ability to complete capital market transactions and to access the commercial paper market. Additionally, a decline in credit ratings could increase cash collateral requirements and reduce earnings of CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas reportable segments.

Pipeline tariffs and contracts typically provide that if the credit ratings of a shipper or the shipper’s guarantor drop below a threshold level, which is generally investment grade ratings from both Moody’s and S&P, cash or other collateral may be demanded from the shipper in an amount equal to the sum of three months’ charges for pipeline services plus the unrecouped cost of any lateral built for such shipper. If the credit ratings of CERC Corp. decline below the applicable threshold levels, CERC might need to provide cash or other collateral of up to $240 million as of March 31, 2023. The amount of collateral will depend on seasonal variations in transportation levels.

ZENS and Securities Related to ZENS (CenterPoint Energy)

If CenterPoint Energy’s creditworthiness were to drop such that ZENS holders thought its liquidity was adversely affected or the market for the ZENS were to become illiquid, some ZENS holders might decide to exchange their ZENS for cash. Funds for the payment of cash upon exchange could be obtained from the sale of the shares of ZENS-Related Securities that CenterPoint Energy owns or from other sources. CenterPoint Energy owns shares of ZENS-Related Securities equal to approximately 100% of the reference shares used to calculate its obligation to the holders of the ZENS. ZENS exchanges result

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in a cash outflow because tax deferrals related to the ZENS and shares of ZENS-Related Securities would typically cease when ZENS are exchanged or otherwise retired and shares of ZENS-Related Securities are sold. The ultimate tax liability related to the ZENS and ZENS-Related Securities continues to increase by the amount of the tax benefit realized each year, and there could be a significant cash outflow when the taxes are paid as a result of the retirement or exchange of the ZENS. If all ZENS had been exchanged for cash on March 31, 2023, deferred taxes of approximately $674 million would have been payable in 2023. If all the ZENS-Related Securities had been sold on March 31, 2023, capital gains taxes of approximately $83 million would have been payable in 2023 based on 2023 tax rates in effect. For additional information about ZENS, see Note 10 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Cross Defaults

Under each of CenterPoint Energy’s, Houston Electric’s and CERC’s respective revolving credit facilities and CERC’s term loan agreement, a payment default on, or a non-payment default, event or condition that permits acceleration of, any indebtedness for borrowed money and certain other specified types of obligations (including guarantees) exceeding $125 million by the borrower or any of their respective significant subsidiaries will cause a default under such borrower’s respective credit facility or term loan agreement. Under SIGECO’s revolving credit facility, a payment default on, or a non-payment default, event or condition that permits acceleration of, any indebtedness for borrowed money and certain other specific types of obligations (including guarantees) exceeding $75 million by SIGECO or any of its significant subsidiaries will cause a default under SIGECO’s credit facility. A default by CenterPoint Energy would not trigger a default under its subsidiaries’ debt instruments or revolving credit facilities.

Possible Acquisitions, Divestitures and Joint Ventures

From time to time, the Registrants consider the acquisition or the disposition of assets or businesses or possible joint ventures, strategic initiatives or other joint ownership arrangements with respect to assets or businesses. Any determination to take action in this regard will be based on market conditions and opportunities existing at the time, and accordingly, the timing, size or success of any efforts and the associated potential capital commitments are unpredictable. The Registrants may seek to fund all or part of any such efforts with proceeds from debt and/or equity issuances. Debt or equity financing may not, however, be available to the Registrants at that time due to a variety of events, including, among others, maintenance of our credit ratings, industry conditions, general economic conditions, market conditions and market perceptions. As announced in September 2021 and updated in November 2022, CenterPoint Energy has increased its planned capital expenditures in its Electric and Natural Gas businesses to support rate base growth and may explore asset sales as a means to efficiently finance a portion of such increased capital expenditures. For further information, see Note 3 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Hedging of Interest Expense for Future Debt Issuances

From time to time, the Registrants may enter into interest rate agreements to hedge, in part, volatility in the U.S. treasury rates by reducing variability in cash flows related to interest payments. For further information, see Note 7(a) to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Collection of Receivables from REPs (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric)

Houston Electric’s receivables from the distribution of electricity are collected from REPs that supply the electricity Houston Electric distributes to their customers. Before conducting business, a REP must register with the PUCT and must meet certain financial qualifications. Nevertheless, adverse economic conditions, the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, structural problems in the market served by ERCOT or financial difficulties of one or more REPs could impair the ability of these REPs to pay for Houston Electric’s services or could cause them to delay such payments. Houston Electric depends on these REPs to remit payments on a timely basis, and any delay or default in payment by REPs could adversely affect Houston Electric’s cash flows. In the event of a REP default, Houston Electric’s tariff provides a number of remedies, including the option for Houston Electric to request that the PUCT suspend or revoke the certification of the REP. Applicable regulatory provisions require that customers be shifted to another REP or a provider of last resort if a REP cannot make timely payments. However, Houston Electric remains at risk for payments related to services provided prior to the shift to the replacement REP or the provider of last resort. If a REP were unable to meet its obligations, it could consider, among various options, restructuring under the bankruptcy laws, in which event such REP might seek to avoid honoring its obligations and claims might be made against Houston Electric involving payments it had received from such REP. If a REP were to file for bankruptcy, Houston Electric may not be successful in recovering accrued receivables owed by such REP that are unpaid as of the date the REP filed for bankruptcy. However, PUCT regulations authorize utilities, such as Houston Electric, to defer bad debts resulting from defaults by REPs for recovery in future rate cases, subject to a review of reasonableness and necessity.

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Other Factors that Could Affect Cash Requirements

In addition to the above factors, the Registrants’ liquidity and capital resources could also be negatively affected by:

•cash collateral requirements that could exist in connection with certain contracts, including weather hedging arrangements, and natural gas purchases, natural gas price and natural gas storage activities of CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas reportable segment;

•acceleration of payment dates on certain gas supply contracts, under certain circumstances, as a result of increased natural gas prices, and concentration of natural gas suppliers (CenterPoint Energy and CERC);

•increased costs related to the acquisition of natural gas (CenterPoint Energy and CERC);

•increases in interest expense in connection with debt refinancings and borrowings under credit facilities or term loans or the use of alternative sources of financings on capital and other financial markets;

•various legislative or regulatory actions;

•incremental collateral, if any, that may be required due to regulation of derivatives (CenterPoint Energy);

•the ability of REPs, including REP affiliates of NRG and Vistra Energy Corp., to satisfy their obligations to CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric;

•slower customer payments and increased write-offs of receivables due to higher natural gas prices, changing economic conditions, public health threats or severe weather events (CenterPoint Energy and CERC);

•the satisfaction of any obligations pursuant to guarantees;

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

•contributions to pension and postretirement benefit plans;

•disruptions in the banking industry, including bank failures and uncertainty regarding bank stability;

•restoration costs and revenue losses resulting from future natural disasters such as hurricanes and the timing of recovery of such restoration costs; and

•various other risks identified in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of the Registrants’ combined 2022 Form 10-K.

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

Certain provisions in certain note purchase agreements relating to debt issued by CERC have the effect of restricting the amount of secured debt issued by CERC and debt issued by subsidiaries of CERC Corp. Additionally, Houston Electric and SIGECO are limited in the amount of mortgage bonds they can issue by the General Mortgage and SIGECO’s mortgage indenture, respectively. For information about the total debt to capitalization financial covenants in the Registrants’ and SIGECO’s revolving credit facilities, see Note 11 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A critical accounting policy is one that is both important to the presentation of the Registrants’ financial condition and results of operations and requires management to make difficult, subjective or complex accounting estimates. An accounting estimate is an approximation made by management of a financial statement element, item or account in the financial statements. Accounting estimates in the Registrants’ historical consolidated financial statements measure the effects of past business transactions or events, or the present status of an asset or liability. Additionally, different estimates that the Registrants could have used or changes in an accounting estimate that are reasonably likely to occur could have a material impact on the presentation of their financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The circumstances that make these judgments difficult, subjective and/or complex have to do with the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Estimates and assumptions about future events and their effects cannot be predicted with certainty. The Registrants base their estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that they believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments. These estimates may change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional information is obtained and as the Registrants’ operating environment changes.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Including Identifiable Intangibles and Goodwill

The Registrants review the carrying value of long-lived assets, including identifiable intangibles and goodwill, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying values may not be recoverable, and at least annually, goodwill is tested for impairment as required by accounting guidance for goodwill and other intangible assets. Unforeseen events, changes in market conditions, and probable regulatory disallowances, where applicable, could have a material effect on the value of long-lived assets, including intangibles and goodwill, future cash flows, interest rate, and regulatory matters, and could result in an impairment charge.

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CenterPoint Energy and CERC completed their 2022 annual goodwill impairment test during the third quarter of 2022 and determined, based on an income approach or a weighted combination of income and market approaches, that no goodwill impairment charge was required for any reporting unit. The fair values of each reporting unit significantly exceeded the

carrying value of the reporting unit as of the last annual test.

From time to time, the Registrants consider the acquisition or the disposition of assets or businesses, and market information obtained through these exploratory activities is considered during the preparation of the financial statements to determine if an interim impairment test is required. The Registrants did not identify triggering events in connection with their preparation of the financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2023, and goodwill impairment of long-lived asset impairments tests were not required or performed.

Accounting for Securitization of Planned Generation Retirements

Accounting guidance for rate regulated long-lived asset abandonment requires that the carrying value of an operating asset or an asset under construction is removed from property, plant and equipment when it becomes probable that the asset will be abandoned. The Registrants recognize either a loss on abandonment or regulatory asset when concluded it is probable the cost will be recovered in future rates. The portion of property, plant and equipment that will remain used and useful until abandonment and recovered through depreciation expense in rates will continue to be classified as property, plant and equipment until the asset is abandoned. The Registrants evaluate if an adjustment to the estimated life of the asset and, accordingly, the rate of depreciation, is required to recover the asset while it is still providing service. Determining probability of abandonment or probability of recovery requires significant judgment on the part of management and includes, but is not limited to, consideration of testimony presented in regulatory hearings, proposed regulatory decisions, final regulatory orders and the strength or status of applications for rehearing or state court appeals. If events were to occur that would make the recovery of a regulatory asset no longer probable, the Registrants would be required to write off or write down the regulatory asset. For example, during 2022, the MPUC disallowed recovery of approximately $36 million of jurisdictional gas costs incurred during the February 2021 Winter Storm Event and CenterPoint Energy and CERC’s regulatory asset balance was reduced when such amounts were no longer probable of recovery. For further detail on the regulatory matter, see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.

Other than the interim goodwill impairment review and securitization transaction discussed above, there have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies during the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to the critical accounting policies disclosed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the Registrants’ combined 2022 Form 10-K.

Item 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Houston Electric and CERC meet the conditions specified in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) to Form 10-Q and are therefore permitted to use the reduced disclosure format for wholly-owned subsidiaries of reporting companies. Accordingly, Houston Electric and CERC have omitted from this report the information called for by Item 3 (Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk) of Part I of the Form 10-Q.

Interest Rate Risk (CenterPoint Energy)

As of March 31, 2023, CenterPoint Energy had outstanding long-term debt, lease obligations and obligations under its ZENS that subject it to the risk of loss associated with movements in market interest rates.

CenterPoint Energy’s floating rate obligations aggregated $2.6 billion and $4.5 billion as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. If the floating interest rates were to increase by 100 basis points from March 31, 2023 rates, CenterPoint Energy’s combined interest expense would increase by approximately $26 million annually. In April 2023, SIGECO executed a remarketing agreement to remarket five series of tax-exempt debt of approximately $148 million, which is expected to close on May 1, 2023. SIGECO expects to remarket an additional $38 million of tax-exempt debt at then market rates due to mandatory purchase or mandatory tender for purchase provisions by the end of 2023. For further information, see Note 11 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements. On September 1, 2023, CenterPoint Energy’s Series A Preferred Stock will convert from a fixed rate dividend rate to a floating rate per annum equal to three month U.S. dollar LIBOR (or alternative benchmark rate) plus 3.270%.

As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, CenterPoint Energy had outstanding fixed-rate debt (excluding indexed debt securities) aggregating $14 billion and $12.5 billion, respectively, in principal amount and having a fair value of $13 billion and $11.1 billion, respectively. Because these instruments are fixed-rate, they do not expose CenterPoint Energy to the risk of loss in earnings due to changes in market interest rates. However, the fair value of these instruments would increase

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by approximately $603 million if interest rates were to decline by 10% from levels at March 31, 2023. In general, such an increase in fair value would impact earnings and cash flows only if CenterPoint Energy were to reacquire all or a portion of these instruments in the open market prior to their maturity. On an unconsolidated basis, CenterPoint Energy has no fixed-rate senior notes maturing in 2023; however, CERC has $57 million of fixed-rate senior notes maturing in 2023 that it expects to refinance at current rates.

The ZENS obligation is bifurcated into a debt component and a derivative component. The debt component of $6 million as of March 31, 2023 was a fixed-rate obligation and, therefore, did not expose CenterPoint Energy to the risk of loss in earnings due to changes in market interest rates. However, the fair value of the debt component would increase by approximately $1 million if interest rates were to decline by 10% from levels at March 31, 2023. Changes in the fair value of the derivative component, a $617 million recorded liability at March 31, 2023, are recorded in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income and, therefore, it is exposed to changes in the fair value of the derivative component as a result of changes in the underlying risk-free interest rate. If the risk-free interest rate were to increase by 10% from March 31, 2023 levels, the fair value of the derivative component liability would decrease by $1 million, which would be recorded as an unrealized gain in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income.

Equity Market Value Risk (CenterPoint Energy)

CenterPoint Energy is exposed to equity market value risk through its ownership of 10.2 million shares of AT&T Common, 0.9 million shares of Charter Common and 2.5 million shares of WBD Common, which CenterPoint Energy holds to facilitate its ability to meet its obligations under the ZENS. See Note 10 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements for a discussion of CenterPoint Energy’s ZENS obligation. Changes in the fair value of the ZENS-Related Securities held by CenterPoint Energy are expected to substantially offset changes in the fair value of the derivative component of the ZENS. A decrease of 10% from the March 31, 2023 aggregate market value of these shares would result in a net loss of less than $1 million, which would be recorded as a loss in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income.

Commodity Price Risk From Non-Trading Activities (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)

CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s regulated operations in Indiana have limited exposure to commodity price risk for transactions involving purchases and sales of natural gas, coal and purchased power for the benefit of retail customers due to current state regulations, which, subject to compliance with those regulations, allow for recovery of the cost of such purchases through natural gas and fuel cost adjustment mechanisms. CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s utility natural gas operations in Indiana have regulatory authority to lock in pricing for up to 50% of annual natural gas purchases using arrangements with an original term of up to 10 years. This authority has been utilized to secure fixed price natural gas using both physical purchases and financial derivatives. As of March 31, 2023, the recorded fair value of non-trading energy derivative assets was $1 million and $1 million, respectively, for CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s utility natural gas operations in Indiana.

Although CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s regulated operations are exposed to limited commodity price risk, natural gas and coal prices have other effects on working capital requirements, interest costs, and some level of price-sensitivity in volumes sold or delivered. Constructive regulatory orders, such as those authorizing lost margin recovery, other innovative rate designs and recovery of unaccounted for natural gas and other natural gas-related expenses, also mitigate the effect natural gas costs may have on CenterPoint Energy’s financial condition. In 2008, the PUCO approved an exit of the merchant function in CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Ohio natural gas service territory, allowing Ohio customers to purchase substantially all natural gas directly from retail marketers rather than from CenterPoint Energy or CERC.

Item 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

In accordance with Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, the Registrants carried out separate evaluations, under the supervision and with the participation of each company’s management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on those evaluations, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, in each case, concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2023 to provide assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

There has been no change in the Registrants’ internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrants’ internal controls over financial reporting.

Table of Contents

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For a description of certain legal and regulatory proceedings, including environmental legal proceedings that involve a governmental authority as a party and that the Registrants reasonably believe would result in $1,000,000 or more of monetary sanctions, exclusive of interest and costs, under federal, state and local laws that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment or primarily for the purpose of protecting the environment, affecting the Registrants, please read Note 13(c) to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Future Sources and Uses of Cash” and “— Regulatory Matters,” each of which is incorporated herein by reference. See also “Business — Regulation” and “— Environmental Matters” in Item 1 and “Legal Proceedings” in Item 3 of the Registrants’ combined 2022 Form 10-K.

Item 1A.RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in the Registrants’ combined 2022 Form 10-K.

Item 5.OTHER INFORMATION

None.

Item 6.EXHIBITS

Exhibits filed herewith are designated by a cross (†); all exhibits not so designated are incorporated by reference to a prior filing as indicated. Agreements included as exhibits are included only to provide information to investors regarding their terms. Agreements listed below may contain representations, warranties and other provisions that were made, among other things, to provide the parties thereto with specified rights and obligations and to allocate risk among them, and no such agreement should be relied upon as constituting or providing any factual disclosures about the Registrants, any other persons, any state of affairs or other matters.

Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K, the Registrants have not filed as exhibits to this combined Form 10-Q certain long-term debt instruments, including indentures, under which the total amount of securities authorized does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Registrants and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The Registrants hereby agree to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the SEC upon request.

Exhibit
Number

Description

Report or Registration
Statement

SEC File or
Registration
Number

Exhibit
Reference

CenterPoint Energy

Houston Electric

CERC

2.1*

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 21, 2018, by and among Vectren Corporation, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and Pacer Merger Sub, Inc.

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated April 21, 2018

1-31447

2.1

2.2*

Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2020, by and among Vectren Utility Services, Inc., PowerTeam Services, LLC and, solely for purposes of Section 10.17 of the Securities Purchase Agreement, Vectren Corporation

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 3, 2020

1-31447

2.1

2.3*

Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 24, 2020, by and between CERC Corp. and Athena Energy Services Buyer, LLC

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 24, 2020

1-31447

2.1

2.4*

Asset Purchase Agreement, by and between CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. and Southern Col Midco, LLC, dated as of April 29, 2021

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021

1-31447

2.4

3.1

Restated Articles of Incorporation of CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated July 24, 2008

1-31447

3.2

Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number

Description

Report or Registration
Statement

SEC File or
Registration
Number

Exhibit
Reference

CenterPoint Energy

Houston Electric

CERC

3.2

Restated Certificate of Formation of Houston Electric

Houston Electric’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011

1-3187

3.1

3.3

Certificate of Incorporation of RERC Corp.

CERC Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997

1-13265

3(a)(1)

3.4

Certificate of Merger merging former NorAm Energy Corp. with and into HI Merger, Inc. dated August 6, 1997

CERC Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997

1-13265

3(a)(2)

3.5

Certificate of Amendment changing the name to Reliant Energy Resources Corp.

CERC Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998

1-13265

3(a)(3)

3.6

Certificate of Amendment changing the name to CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.

CERC Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003

1-13265

3(a)(4)

3.7

Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 21, 2017

1-31447

3.1

3.8

Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Houston Electric

Houston Electric’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011

1-3187

3.2

3.9

Bylaws of RERC Corp.

CERC Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997

1-13265

3(b)

3.10

Statement of Resolutions Deleting Shares Designated Series A Preferred Stock of CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011

1-31447

3(c)

3.11

Statement of Resolution Establishing Series of Shares Designated Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock of CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated August 22, 2018

1-31447

3.1

3.12

Statement of Resolution Establishing Series of Shares designated 7.00% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock of CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated September 25, 2018

1-31447

3.1

3.13

Statement of Resolution Establishing Series of Shares designated Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock of CenterPoint Energy, Inc., filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas and effective May 7, 2020

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated May 6, 2020

1-31447

3.1

4.1

Form of CenterPoint Energy Stock Certificate

CenterPoint Energy’s Registration Statement on Form S-4

3-69502

4.1

4.2

Form of Certificate representing the Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock of CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated August 22, 2018

1-31447

4.1

4.3

Amended and Restated Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated as of January 1, 2023, between Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated January 30, 2023

1-31447

10.2

4.4

First Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4.3 dated as of March 15, 2023

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated March 15, 2023

1-31447

4.2

4.5

Indenture dated as of February 1, 1998, between CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. (formerly NorAm Energy Corp.) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association (successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (formerly Chase Bank of Texas), as trustee

CERC Form 8-K dated February 5, 1998

1-13265

4.1

†4.6

Supplemental Indenture No. 23 dated as of February 23, 2023, to Exhibit 4.5

Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number

Description

Report or Registration
Statement

SEC File or
Registration
Number

Exhibit
Reference

CenterPoint Energy

Houston Electric

CERC

4.7

General Mortgage Indenture, dated as of October 10, 2002, between Houston Electric and the Trustee

Houston Electric’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002

1-3187

4(j)(1)

4.8

Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 12, 2002, to Exhibit 4.7

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002

1-31447

4(e)(10)

4.9

Twentieth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 9, 2008, to Exhibit 4.7

Houston Electric’s Form 8-K filed on January 9, 2009

1-3187

4.2

4.10

Thirty-Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 23, 2023, to Exhibit 4.7

Houston Electric’s Form 8-K dated March 20, 2023

1-3187

4.4

†4.11

Officer’s Certificate, dated as of March 23, 2023

4.12

Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 1, 2023, between Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated January 30, 2023

1-31447

10.1

Form of Performance Award Agreement for the President and Chief Operating Officer

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022

1-31447

10(ee)(9)

10.2

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for President and Chief Operating Officer (with Performance Goals)

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022

1-31447

10(ee)(10)

10.3

$500,000 Term Loan Agreement dated as of February 16, 2023 among CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp., as Borrower, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as Administrative Agent, and the banks named therein

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022

1-31447

10(kk)

10.4

Separation and Release Agreement between CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and Scott E. Doyle, dated February 17, 2023

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K/A dated January 3, 2023

1-31447

10.1

10.5

Christopher A. Foster Offer Letter

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated March 15, 2023

1-31447

10.1

10.6

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated March 15, 2023

1-31447

10.2

10.7

Bond Purchase Agreement dated March 15, 2023 among Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company and the purchasers listed on Schedule B thereto

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated March 15, 2023

1-31447

10.1

10.8

$250,000,000 Term Loan Agreement dated as of March 21, 2023 among CenterPoint Energy, Inc. as borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the banks party thereto

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated March 21, 2023

1-31447

10.1

†31.1.1

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of David J. Lesar

†31.1.2

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of J ason P. Wells

†31.1.3

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of J ason P. Wells

†31.2.1

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Jason P. Wells

†32.1.1

Section 1350 Certification of David J. Lesar

†32.1.2

Section 1350 Certification of J ason P. Wells

†32.1.3

Section 1350 Certification of J ason P. Wells

†32.2.1

Section 1350 Certification of Jason P. Wells

Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number

Description

Report or Registration
Statement

SEC File or
Registration
Number

Exhibit
Reference

CenterPoint Energy

Houston Electric

CERC

†101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document

†101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

†101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

†101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

†101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document

†101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

†104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)


*			Schedules to this agreement have been omitted pursuant to Items 601(a)(5) and 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted schedules will be furnished supplementally to the SEC upon request; provided, however, that the parties may request confidential treatment pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act for any document so furnished.

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


			CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.
			CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC
			CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.


By:			/s/ Kara Gostenhofer Ryan
			Kara Gostenhofer Ryan
			Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

Date: April 27, 2023

Document

Exhibit 4.6

CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.

(formerly known as NorAm Energy Corp.)

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.

(successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (formerly Chase Bank of Texas, National Association))

Trustee

__________________

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE NO. 23

Dated as of February 23, 2023

_________________

$600,000,000 5.25% Senior Notes due 2028

$600,000,000 5.40% Senior Notes due 2033

CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE NO. 23

5.25% Senior Notes due 2028

5.40% Senior Notes due 2033

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE No. 23, dated as of February 23, 2023, between CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP., a Delaware corporation formerly known as NorAm Energy Corp. (the “Company”), and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. (successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (formerly Chase Bank of Texas, National Association)), as Trustee (the “Trustee”).

RECITALS

The Company has heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an Indenture, dated as of February 1, 1998 (the “Original Indenture” and, as previously and hereby supplemented and amended, the “Indenture”), providing for the issuance from time to time of one or more series of the Company’s Securities.

The Company has changed its name from “NorAm Energy Corp.” to “CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.” and all references in the Indenture to the “Company” or “NorAm Energy Corp.” shall be deemed to refer to CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.

Pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, the Company desires to provide for the establishment of two new series of Securities to be designated as the “5.25% Senior Notes due 2028” (the “2028 Notes”) and the “5.40% Senior Notes due 2033” (the “2033 Notes” and, together with the 2028 Notes, the “Notes”), the form and substance of such Notes and the terms, provisions and conditions thereof to be set forth as provided in the Original Indenture and this Supplemental Indenture No. 23.

Section 301 of the Original Indenture provides that various matters with respect to any series of Securities issued under the Indenture may be established in an indenture supplemental to the Indenture.

Subparagraph (7) of Section 901 of the Original Indenture provides that the Company and the Trustee may enter into an indenture supplemental to the Indenture to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 201 and 301 of the Original Indenture.

For and in consideration of the premises and the issuance of the series of Securities provided for herein, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of the Holders of the Securities of such series, as follows:

ARTICLE ONE

Relation to Indenture; Additional Definitions

Section 101 Relation to Indenture. This Supplemental Indenture No. 23 constitutes an integral part of the Original Indenture.

Section 102 Additional Definitions. For all purposes of this Supplemental Indenture No. 23:

Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Supplement Indenture No. 23 have the meaning given such terms in the Original Indenture. Capitalized terms defined in both this Supplemental Indenture No. 23 and in the Original Indenture have the meaning given such terms in this Supplemental Indenture No. 23.

“2028 Notes” has the meaning set forth in the third paragraph of the Recitals hereof.

“2033 Notes” has the meaning set forth in the third paragraph of the Recitals hereof.

“2028 Notes Maturity Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 203 hereof.

“2033 Notes Maturity Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 203 hereof.

“2028 Notes Par Call Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 401 hereof.

“2033 Notes Par Call Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 401 hereof.

“Authorized Officers” has the meaning set forth in Section 606 hereof.

“Business Day” means, with respect to any Note, any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions or trust companies in The City of New York are generally authorized or required by law or executive order to remain closed. If any Interest Payment Date, Stated Maturity or Redemption Date of a Note falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the required payment will be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the relevant date that the payment was due and no interest will accrue on such payment for the period from and after the Interest Payment Date, Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be, to the date of that payment on the next succeeding Business Day.

“Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means the total amount of assets of the Company, including the assets of its Subsidiaries, less, without duplication: (a) total current liabilities (excluding indebtedness due within 12 months); (b) all reserves for depreciation and other asset valuation reserves, but excluding reserves for deferred federal income taxes; (c) all intangible assets such as goodwill, trademarks, trade names, patents and unamortized debt discount and expense carried as an asset; and (d) all appropriate adjustments on account of minority interests of other Persons holding common stock of any Subsidiary, all as reflected in the Company’s most recent audited consolidated balance sheet preceding the date of such determination.

“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.

“Corporate Trust Office” means the principal office of the Trustee at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which office as of the date hereof is located at: 601 Travis Street, 16th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002, Attention: Global Corporate Trust; telephone: (713) 483-6817; telecopy: (713) 483-7038.

“Electronic Means” means the following communications methods: e-mail, facsimile transmission, secure electronic transmission containing applicable authorization codes, passwords and/or authentication keys issued by the Trustee, or another method or system specified by the Trustee as available for use in connection with its services hereunder.

“Equity Interests” means any capital stock, partnership, joint venture, member or limited liability or unlimited liability company interest, beneficial interest in a trust or similar entity or other equity interest or investment of whatever nature.

“H.15” has the meaning set forth in Section 402 hereof.

“H.15 TCM” has the meaning set forth in Section 402 hereof.

“Finance Lease” means a lease that, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, would be recorded as a finance lease on the balance sheet of the lessee, but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any operating leases or any other non-finance leases.

“indebtedness” means, as applied to the Company or any Subsidiary, means bonds, debentures, notes and other instruments or arrangements representing obligations created or assumed by the Company or any such Subsidiary, including any and all: (i) obligations for money borrowed (other than unamortized debt discount or premium); (ii) obligations evidenced by a note or similar instrument given in connection with the acquisition of any business, properties or assets of any kind; (iii) obligations as lessee under a Finance Lease; and (iv) amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications and refundings of any such indebtedness or obligation listed in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above. All indebtedness secured by a lien upon property owned by the Company or any Subsidiary and upon which indebtedness the Company or any such Subsidiary customarily pays interest, although the Company or any such Subsidiary has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such indebtedness, shall for all purposes hereof be deemed to be indebtedness of the Company or any such Subsidiary. All indebtedness for borrowed money incurred by other Persons which is directly guaranteed as to payment of principal by the Company or any Subsidiary shall for all purposes hereof be deemed to be indebtedness of the Company or any such Subsidiary, as applicable, but no other contingent obligation of the Company or any such Subsidiary in respect of indebtedness incurred by other Persons shall for any purpose be deemed to be indebtedness of the Company or any such Subsidiary.

“Instructions” has the meaning set forth in Section 606 hereof.

“Interest Payment Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 204(a) hereof.

“Issue Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 204(a) hereof.

“Lien” means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, charge, security interest, encumbrance or lien of any kind whatsoever (including any Finance Lease).

“Maturity Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 203 hereof.

“Non-Recourse Debt” means (i) any indebtedness for borrowed money incurred by any Project Finance Subsidiary to finance the acquisition, improvement, installation, design, engineering, construction, development, completion, maintenance or operation of, or otherwise to pay costs and expenses relating to or providing financing for, any project, which indebtedness for borrowed money does not provide for recourse against the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company (other than a Project Finance Subsidiary and such recourse as exists under a Performance Guaranty) or any property or asset of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company (other than Equity Interests in, or the property or assets of, a Project Finance Subsidiary and such recourse as exists under a Performance Guaranty) and (ii) any refinancing of such indebtedness for borrowed money that does not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof (other than to pay costs incurred in connection therewith and the capitalization of any interest or fees) at the time of the refinancing or increase the property subject to any lien securing such indebtedness for borrowed money or otherwise add additional security or support for such indebtedness for borrowed money.

“Notes” has the meaning set forth in the third paragraph of the Recitals hereof.

“Original Indenture” has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of the Recitals hereof.

“Par Call Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 401 hereof.

“Performance Guaranty” means any guaranty issued in connection with any Non-Recourse Debt that (i) if secured, is secured only by assets of or Equity Interests in a Project Finance Subsidiary, and (ii) guarantees to the provider of such Non-Recourse Debt or any other person (a) performance of the improvement, installation, design, engineering, construction, acquisition, development, completion, maintenance or operation of, or otherwise affects any such act in respect of, all or any portion of the project that is financed by such Non-Recourse Debt, (b) completion of the minimum agreed equity or other contributions or support to the relevant Project Finance Subsidiary, or (c) performance by a Project Finance Subsidiary of obligations to persons other than the provider of such Non-Recourse Debt.

“Project Finance Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary designated by the Company whose principal purpose is to incur Non-Recourse Debt and/or construct, lease, own or operate the assets financed thereby, or to become a direct or indirect partner, member or other equity participant or owner in a Person created for such purpose, and substantially all the assets of which Subsidiary or Person are limited to (x) those assets being financed (or to be financed), or the operation of which is being financed (or to be financed), in whole or in part by Non-Recourse Debt, or (y) Equity Interests in, or indebtedness or other obligations of, one or more other such Subsidiaries or Persons, or (z) indebtedness or other obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary or other Persons. At the time of designation of any Project Finance Subsidiary, the sum of the net book value of the assets of such Subsidiary and the net book value of the assets of all other Project Finance Subsidiaries then existing shall not in the aggregate exceed 10 percent of the Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.

“Regular Record Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 204(a) hereof.

“Remaining Life” has the meaning set forth in Section 402 hereof.

“Subsidiary” of any entity means any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust or estate of which (or in which) more than 50% of (i) the issued and outstanding capital stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the Board of Directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether at the time capital stock of any other class or classes of such corporation shall or might have voting power upon the occurrence of any contingency), (ii) the interest in the capital or profits of such limited liability company, partnership, joint venture or other entity or (iii) the beneficial interest in such trust or estate is at the time directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such entity, by such entity and one or more of its other subsidiaries or by one or more of such entity’s other subsidiaries.

“Treasury Rate” has the meaning set forth in Section 402 hereof.

All references herein to Articles and Sections, unless otherwise specified, refer to the corresponding Articles and Sections of this Supplemental Indenture No. 23.

The terms “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Supplemental Indenture No. 23.

ARTICLE TWO

The Series of Securities

Section 201 Title of the Securities. The 2028 Notes shall be designated as the “5.25% Senior Notes due 2028” and the 2033 Notes shall be designated as the “5.40% Senior Notes due 2033.”

Section 202 Limitation on Aggregate Principal Amount. The Trustee shall authenticate and deliver (i) the 2028 Notes for original issue on the Issue Date in the aggregate principal amount of $600,000,000 and (ii) the 2033 Notes for original issue on the Issue Date in the aggregate principal amount of $600,000,000, upon a Company Order for the authentication and delivery thereof and satisfaction of Sections 301 and 303 of the Original Indenture. Such order shall specify the amount of the Notes to be authenticated, the date on which the original issue of Notes is to be authenticated and the name or names of the initial Holder or Holders. The aggregate principal amount of the 2028 Notes and 2033 Notes that may initially be outstanding shall not exceed $600,000,000 and $600,000,000, respectively; provided, however, that the authorized aggregate principal amount of either series of the Notes may be increased above such amount by a Board Resolution to such effect.

Section 203 Stated Maturity. The Stated Maturity of the 2028 Notes shall be March 1, 2028 (the “2028 Notes Maturity Date”), and the Stated Maturity of the 2033 Notes shall be March 1, 2033 (the “2033 Notes Maturity Date”).

Section 204 Interest and Interest Rates.

(a) The 2028 Notes shall bear interest at a rate of 5.25% per year, from and including February 23, 2023 (the “Issue Date”) to, but excluding, the 2028 Notes Maturity Date. The 2033 Notes shall bear interest at a rate of 5.40% per year, from and including the Issue Date to, but excluding, the 2033 Notes Maturity Date. Such interest shall be payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year (each an “Interest Payment Date”), beginning

September 1, 2023, to the persons in whose names the Notes (or one or more Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on February 15 and August 15 (each a “Regular Record Date”) (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, immediately preceding such Interest Payment Date.

(b) Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and shall either (i) be paid to the Person in whose name such Note (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of such Notes not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or (ii) be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which such Notes may be listed or traded, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange or automated quotation system, all as more fully provided in the Indenture.

(c) The amount of interest payable for any period shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. The amount of interest payable for any partial period shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months and the days elapsed in any partial month. In the event that any date on which interest is payable on a Note is not a Business Day, then a payment of the interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay) with the same force and effect as if made on the date the payment was originally payable.

(d) Any principal and premium, if any, and any installment of interest, which is overdue shall bear interest at the rate of 5.25% per annum (to the extent permitted by law), in the case of the 2028 Notes, or 5.40% per annum (to the extent permitted by law), in the case of the 2033 Notes, in each case from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment, and such interest shall be payable on demand.

Section 205 Paying Agent; Place of Payment. The Trustee shall initially serve as the Paying Agent for the Notes. The Company may appoint and change any Paying Agent or approve a change in the office through which any Paying Agent acts without notice, other than notice to the Trustee. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their Affiliates may act as Paying Agent. The Place of Payment where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for payment shall be the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee. At the option of the Company, payment of interest may be made (i) by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register or (ii) by wire transfer in immediately available funds at such place and to such account as may be designated in writing by the Person entitled thereto as specified in the Security Register.

Section 206 Place of Registration or Exchange; Notices and Demands With Respect to the Notes. The place where the Holders of the Notes may present the Notes for registration of transfer or exchange and may make notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Notes shall be the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

Section 207 Percentage of Principal Amount. The 2028 Notes and 2033 Notes shall be initially issued at 99.680% and 99.975% of their principal amount, respectively, plus accrued interest, if any, from the Issue Date.

Section 208 Global Securities. The Notes shall be issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities. Such Global Securities shall be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, which shall act as Depositary

with respect to the Notes. Such Global Securities shall bear the legends set forth in the forms of Security attached as Exhibit A and Exhibit B hereto.

Section 209 Form of Securities. The 2028 Notes shall be substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A hereto and the 2033 Notes shall be substantially in the form attached as Exhibit B hereto.

Section 210 Securities Registrar. The Trustee shall initially serve as the Security Registrar for the Notes.

Section 211 Defeasance and Discharge; Covenant Defeasance.

(a) Article Fourteen of the Original Indenture, including without limitation Sections 1402 and 1403 thereof (as modified by Section 211(b) hereof), shall apply to each series of the Notes.

(b) Solely with respect to each series of the Notes issued hereby, the first sentence of Section 1403 of the Original Indenture is hereby deleted in its entirety, and the following is substituted in lieu thereof:

“Upon the Company’s exercise of its option (if any) to have this Section 1403 applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, (1) the Company shall be released from its obligations under Article Eight and under any covenants provided pursuant to Section 301(20), 901(2) or 901(7) for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, including without limitation, the covenants provided for in Article Three of Supplemental Indenture No. 23 to the Indenture, and (2) the occurrence of any event specified in Sections 501(4) (with respect to Article Eight and to any such covenants provided pursuant to Section 301(20), 901(2) or 901(7)) and 501(7) shall be deemed not to be or result in an Event of Default, in each case with respect to such Securities as provided in this Section 1403 on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 1404 are satisfied (hereinafter called “Covenant Defeasance”).”

Section 212 Sinking Fund Obligations. The Company shall have no obligation to redeem or purchase any Notes pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous requirement or upon the happening of a specified event or at the option of a Holder thereof.

ARTICLE THREE

Additional Covenants

Section 301. Maintenance of Properties. The Company shall cause all properties used or useful in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and shall cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of the Company may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly conducted at all times; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 301 shall prevent the Company from discontinuing the operation or maintenance of any of such properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Company, desirable in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary.

Section 302. Payment of Taxes and Other Claims. The Company shall pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, (1) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon the Company or any Subsidiary

or upon the income, profits or property of the Company or any Subsidiary, and (2) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a lien upon the property of the Company or any Subsidiary; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.

ARTICLE FOUR

Optional Redemption of the Notes

Section 401 Redemption Price.

(a) Prior to February 1, 2028, in the case of the 2028 Notes (the “2028 Notes Par Call Date”), or December 1, 2032, in the case of the 2033 Notes (the “2033 Notes Par Call Date”; each of the 2028 Notes Par Call Date and the 2033 Notes Par Call Date, a “Par Call Date”), the Company may redeem the 2028 Notes or the 2033 Notes, respectively, at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of (1)(a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Notes of such series to be redeemed discounted to the Redemption Date (assuming the Notes to be redeemed matured on the applicable Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the applicable Treasury Rate plus 20 basis points for the 2028 Notes or 25 basis points for the 2033 Notes less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and (2) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

(b) On or after the 2028 Notes Par Call Date, in the case of the 2028 Notes, or the 2033 Notes Par Call Date, in the case of the 2033 Notes, the Company may redeem, at its option, the 2028 Notes or the 2033 Notes, respectively, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed, if any, to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

Section 402 Calculation.

“Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any Redemption Date, the yield determined by the Company in accordance with the following two paragraphs.

The Treasury Rate shall be determined by the Company after 4:15 p.m., New York City time (or after such time as yields on U.S. government securities are posted daily by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), on the third Business Day preceding the Redemption Date based upon the yield or yields for the most recent day that appear after such time on such day 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 designation or publication) (“H.15”) under the caption “U.S. government securities–Treasury constant maturities–Nominal” (or any successor caption or heading) (“H.15 TCM”). In determining the Treasury Rate, the Company shall select, as applicable: (1) the yield for the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the period from the Redemption Date to the applicable Par Call Date (the “Remaining Life”); or (2) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the Remaining Life, the two yields – one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately shorter than and one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately longer than the Remaining Life – and shall interpolate to the applicable Par Call Date on a straight-line basis (using the actual number

of days) using such yields and rounding the result to three decimal places; or (3) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 shorter than or longer than the Remaining Life, the yield for the single Treasury constant maturity on H.15 closest to the Remaining Life. For purposes of this paragraph, the applicable Treasury constant maturity or maturities on H.15 shall be deemed to have a maturity date equal to the relevant number of months or years, as applicable, of such Treasury constant maturity from the applicable Redemption Date.

If on the third Business Day preceding the Redemption Date H.15 TCM or any successor designation or publication is no longer published, the Company shall calculate the Treasury Rate based on the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second Business Day preceding such Redemption Date of the United States Treasury security maturing on, or with a maturity that is closest to, the applicable Par Call Date, as applicable. If there is no United States Treasury security maturing on the applicable Par Call Date but there are two or more United States Treasury securities with a maturity date equally distant from the applicable Par Call Date, one with a maturity date preceding the applicable Par Call Date and one with a maturity date following the applicable Par Call Date, the Company shall select the United States Treasury security with a maturity date preceding the applicable Par Call Date. If there are two or more United States Treasury securities maturing on the applicable Par Call Date or two or more United States Treasury securities meeting the criteria of the preceding sentence, the Company shall select from among these two or more United States Treasury securities the United States Treasury security that is trading closest to par based upon the average of the bid and asked prices for such United States Treasury securities at 11:00 a.m., New York City time. In determining the Treasury Rate in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, the semi-annual yield to maturity of the applicable United States Treasury security shall be based upon the average of the bid and asked prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, of such United States Treasury security, and rounded to three decimal places.

The Company’s actions and determinations in determining the redemption price shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. The Trustee shall have no responsibility for the calculation of such amount.

Section 403 Partial Redemption. If fewer than all of the Notes of a series are to be redeemed by the Company pursuant to this Article Four, not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, the particular Notes or portions thereof called for redemption will be selected from the outstanding Notes of such series not previously called by lot by the Trustee. The Trustee may select for redemption Notes and portions of Notes in amounts of $2,000 or whole multiples of $1,000. A new Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Note shall be issued upon the cancellation of the original Note. 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.

Section 404 Notice of Optional Redemption.

(a) The Trustee, at the written direction of the Company, will send a notice of redemption by first-class mail (or otherwise transmitted in accordance with the procedures of The Depository Trust Company with respect to Notes registered in the name of Cede & Co.) at least 10 days and not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption to each holder of Notes to be redeemed. Unless the Company defaults on payment of the redemption price, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption on the Redemption Date. If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption shall state the portion of the principal amount to be redeemed.

(b) Notice of any redemption of Notes may, at the Company’s discretion, be given subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, completion of a corporate transaction that is pending (such as an equity or equity-linked offering, an incurrence of indebtedness or an acquisition or other strategic transaction involving a change of control in the Company or another Person). 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 on or prior to the Business Day immediately preceding the relevant redemption date. The Company shall notify holders of Notes of any such rescission as soon as practicable after it determines that such conditions precedent will not be able to be satisfied or the Company is not able or willing to waive such conditions precedent.

ARTICLE FIVE

Remedies

Section 501 Additional Event of Default; Acceleration of Maturity.

(a) Solely with respect to the Notes of each series issued hereby, Section 501(7) of the Original Indenture is hereby deleted in its entirety, and the following is substituted in lieu thereof as an Event of Default in addition to the other events set forth in Section 501 of the Original Indenture:

“(7) the default by the Company or any Subsidiary, other than a Project Finance Subsidiary, in the payment, when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, of principal of indebtedness for money borrowed, other than Non-Recourse Debt, in the aggregate principal amount then outstanding of $125 million or more, or acceleration of any indebtedness for money borrowed 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 acceleration is not rescinded or such default is not cured within 30 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the holders of at least 33% in principal amount of the Notes of such series Outstanding written notice specifying such default and requiring the Company to cause such acceleration to be rescinded or such default to be cured and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” under the Indenture;”.

(b) Solely with respect to the Notes of each series issued hereby, the first paragraph of Section 502 of the Original Indenture is hereby deleted in its entirety, and the following is substituted in lieu thereof:

“If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 501(5) or 501(6)) with respect to the Notes of either series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 33% in principal amount of the Notes of such series Outstanding may declare the principal amount of all the Notes of such series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal amount (or specified amount) shall

become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in Section 501(5) or 501(6) with respect to the Notes of such series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, the principal amount of all the Notes of such series shall automatically, and without any declaration or other action on the part of the Trustee or any Holder, become immediately due and payable.”

Section 502 Amendment of Certain Provisions. Solely with respect to the Notes of each series issued hereby, references to “25%” in Article Five of the Indenture are hereby deleted in their entirety and “33%” is substituted in lieu thereof.

ARTICLE SIX

Miscellaneous Provisions

Section 601 The Indenture, as supplemented and amended by this Supplemental Indenture No. 23, is in all respects hereby adopted, ratified and confirmed.

Section 602 This Supplemental Indenture No. 23 may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. The words “execution,” “executed,” “signed,” signature,” and words of like import in this Supplemental Indenture No. 23 shall include images of manually executed signatures transmitted by facsimile, email or other electronic format (including, without limitation, “pdf,” “tif” or “jpg”) and other electronic signatures (including, without limitation, DocuSign and AdobeSign). The use of electronic signatures and electronic records (including, without limitation, any contract or other record created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored by electronic means) shall be of the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a manually executed signature or use of a paper-based record-keeping system to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act and any other applicable law, including, without limitation, any state law based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or the Uniform Commercial Code. Without limitation to the foregoing, and anything in this Supplemental Indenture No. 23 to the contrary notwithstanding, (a) any Officers’ Certificate, Company Order, Opinion of Counsel, Security, certificate of authentication appearing on or attached to any Security or other certificate, Opinion of Counsel, instrument, agreement or other document delivered pursuant to this Supplemental Indenture No. 23 may be executed, attested and transmitted by any of the foregoing electronic means and formats, (b) all references in Section 303 or elsewhere in the Indenture to the execution, attestation or authentication of any Security or any certificate of authentication appearing on or attached to any Security by means of a manual or facsimile signature shall be deemed to include signatures that are made or transmitted by any of the foregoing electronic means or formats, and (c) any requirement in Section 303 or elsewhere in the Indenture that any signature be made under a corporate seal (or facsimile thereof) shall not be applicable to the Securities of such series.

Section 603 THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE NO. 23 AND EACH NOTE SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE A CONTRACT MADE UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

Section 604 If any provision in this Supplemental Indenture No. 23 limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision hereof which is required to be included herein by any provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, such required provision shall control.

Section 605 In case any provision in this Supplemental Indenture No. 23 or the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

Section 606 The Trustee shall have the right to accept and act upon instructions, including funds transfer instructions (“Instructions”) given pursuant to this Indenture and delivered using Electronic Means; provided, however, that the Company shall provide to the Trustee an incumbency certificate listing officers with the authority to provide such Instructions (“Authorized Officers”) and containing specimen signatures of such Authorized Officers, which incumbency certificate shall be amended by the Company whenever a person is to be added or deleted from the listing. If the Company elects to give the Trustee Instructions using Electronic Means and the Trustee in its discretion elects to act upon such Instructions, the Trustee’s understanding of such Instructions shall be deemed controlling. The Company understands and agrees that the Trustee cannot determine the identity of the actual sender of such Instructions and that the Trustee shall conclusively presume that directions that purport to have been sent by an Authorized Officer listed on the incumbency certificate provided to the Trustee have been sent by such Authorized Officer, unless the Trustee has knowledge to the contrary or the Trustee is acting in bad faith. The Company shall be responsible for ensuring that only Authorized Officers transmit such Instructions to the Trustee and that the Company and all Authorized Officers are solely responsible to safeguard the use and confidentiality of applicable user and authorization codes, passwords and/or authentication keys upon receipt by the Company. Absent gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith by the Trustee, the Trustee shall not be liable for any losses, costs or expenses arising directly or indirectly from the Trustee’s reliance upon and compliance with such Instructions notwithstanding such directions conflict or are inconsistent with a subsequent written instruction. The Company agrees, absent gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith by the Trustee: (i) to assume all risks arising out of the use of Electronic Means to submit Instructions to the Trustee, including the risk of the Trustee acting on unauthorized Instructions and the risk of interception and misuse by third parties; (ii) that it is fully informed of the protections and risks associated with the various methods of transmitting Instructions to the Trustee and that there may be more secure methods of transmitting Instructions than the method(s) selected by the Company; (iii) that the security procedures (if any) to be followed in connection with its transmission of Instructions provide to it a commercially reasonable degree of protection in light of its particular needs and circumstances; and (iv) to notify the Trustee as soon as practicable upon learning of any compromise or unauthorized use of the security procedures.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture No. 23 to be duly executed, as of the day and year first written above.

CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.

By: /s/ Jason P. Wells

Jason P. Wells

President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Attest:

/s/ Vincent A. Mercaldi

Vincent A. Mercaldi

Secretary

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.,

As Trustee

By: /s/ April Bradley

Authorized Signatory

Exhibit A

[FORM OF FACE OF SECURITY]

[IF THIS SECURITY IS TO BE A GLOBAL SECURITY -] THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF A DEPOSITARY. THIS SECURITY IS EXCHANGEABLE FOR SECURITIES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEPOSITARY OR ITS NOMINEE ONLY IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY.

[FOR AS LONG AS THIS GLOBAL SECURITY IS DEPOSITED WITH OR ON BEHALF OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY IT SHALL BEAR THE FOLLOWING LEGEND.] UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE, OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.

5.25% Senior Notes due 2028


Original Interest Accrual Date: February 23, 2023 Stated Maturity: March 1, 2028 Interest Rate: 5.25% Interest Payment Dates: March 1 and September 1 Initial Interest Payment Date: September 1, 2023 Regular Record Dates: February 15 and August 15 immediately preceding the applicable Interest Payment Date			Redeemable: Yes [X] No [ ] Redemption Date: At any time. Redemption Price: (1) Prior to February 1, 2028 (the “Par Call Date”), at a redemption price equal to the greater of: (i)(a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on this Security, or the portion thereof to be redeemed, that would be due if this Security matured on the Par Call Date but for the redemption (not including any portion of such payments of interest accrued to the Redemption Date) discounted to the Redemption Date on a semiannual basis at the applicable Treasury Rate plus 20 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption; and (ii) 100% of the principal amount of this Security or the portion thereof to be redeemed; plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed, if any, to, but excluding, the Redemption Date; or (2) on or after the Par Call Date, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of this Security or the portion thereof to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed, if any, to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

This Security is not an Original Issue Discount Security
within the meaning of the within-mentioned Indenture.
_____________________________


Principal Amount						Registered No. T-1


$_______________1						CUSIP 15189Y AG1

CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, formerly known as NorAm Energy Corp. (herein called the “Company,” which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture referred to below), for value received, hereby promises to pay to

***CEDE & Co.***

, or its registered assigns, the principal sum of DOLLARS on the Stated Maturity specified above, and to pay interest thereon from the Original Interest Accrual Date specified above or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually in arrears on the Interest Payment Dates specified above in each year, commencing on September 1, 2023, and at Stated Maturity, at the Interest Rate per annum

1 Reference is made to Schedule A attached hereto with respect to decreases and increases in the aggregate principal amount of Securities evidenced hereby.

specified above, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment, provided that any principal and premium, and any such installment of interest, which is overdue shall bear interest at the rate of 5.25% per annum (to the extent permitted by applicable law), from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment, and such interest shall be payable on demand. The amount of interest payable for any period shall be computed on the basis of twelve 30-day months and a 360-day year. The amount of interest payable for any partial period shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months and the days elapsed in any partial month. In the event that any date on which interest is payable on this Security is not a Business Day, then a payment of the interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay) with the same force and effect as if made on the date the payment was originally payable. A “Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be March 1 or September 1 (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and shall either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Securities of this series may be listed or traded, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange or automated quotation system, all as more fully provided in said Indenture.

Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and any such interest on this Security will be made at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment of interest may be made (i) by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register or (ii) by wire transfer in immediately available funds at such place and to such account as may be designated in writing by the Person entitled thereto as specified in the Security Register.

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

Dated: February 23, 2023 CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.

By:

Name: Jason P. Wells

Title: President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Attest:

Name: Vincent A. Mercaldi

Title: Secretary

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.,

As Trustee

Dated: February 23, 2023

By:

Authorized Signatory

SCHEDULE A

The initial aggregate principal amount of Securities evidenced by the Certificate to which this Schedule is attached is $ . The notations on the following table evidence decreases and increases in the aggregate principal amount of Securities evidenced by such Certificate.

Aggregate Principal

Amount of Securities

Decrease in Aggregate

Increase in Aggregate

Remaining After

Notation by

Date of

Principal Amount of

Such Decrease or

Security

Adjustment

Securities

Increase

Registrar

[FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF SECURITY]

CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.

5.25% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2028

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of February 1, 1998, as previously supplemented and amended including by the Supplemental Indenture No. 23, dated as of February 23, 2023 (collectively herein called the “Indenture,” which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such instrument), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (formerly Chase Bank of Texas, National Association)), as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee,” which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof, initially limited in aggregate principal amount to $600,000,000; provided, however, that the authorized aggregate principal amount of the Securities may be increased above such amount by a Board Resolution to such effect.

Prior to February 1, 2028 (the “Par Call Date”), the Company may redeem this Security at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of: (1)(a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the Redemption Date (assuming this Security, or such portion to be redeemed, matured on the Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 20 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and (2) 100% of the principal amount of this Security to be redeemed; plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

On or after the Par Call Date, the Company may redeem this Security, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of this Security (or such portion to be redeemed) plus accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed, if any, to, but excluding, the Redemption Date. The Trustee shall have no responsibility for the calculation of such amount.

“Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any Redemption Date, the yield determined by the Company in accordance with the following two paragraphs.

Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately shorter than and one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately longer than the Remaining Life – and shall interpolate to the Par Call Date on a straight-line basis (using the actual number of days) using such yields and rounding the result to three decimal places; or (3) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 shorter than or longer than the Remaining Life, the yield for the single Treasury constant maturity on H.15 closest to the Remaining Life. For purposes of this paragraph, the applicable Treasury constant maturity or maturities on H.15 shall be deemed to have a maturity date equal to the relevant number of months or years, as applicable, of such Treasury constant maturity from the Redemption Date.

If on the third Business Day preceding the Redemption Date H.15 TCM or any successor designation or publication is no longer published, the Company shall calculate the Treasury Rate based on the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second Business Day preceding such Redemption Date of the United States Treasury security maturing on, or with a maturity that is closest to, the Par Call Date, as applicable. If there is no United States Treasury security maturing on the Par Call Date but there are two or more United States Treasury securities with a maturity date equally distant from the Par Call Date, one with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date and one with a maturity date following the Par Call Date, the Company shall select the United States Treasury security with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date. If there are two or more United States Treasury securities maturing on the Par Call Date or two or more United States Treasury securities meeting the criteria of the preceding sentence, the Company shall select from among these two or more United States Treasury securities the United States Treasury security that is trading closest to par based upon the average of the bid and asked prices for such United States Treasury securities at 11:00 a.m., New York City time. In determining the Treasury Rate in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, the semi-annual yield to maturity of the applicable United States Treasury security shall be based upon the average of the bid and asked prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, of such United States Treasury security, and rounded to three decimal places.

In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities of this series and of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

The Securities of this series are not entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund.

The Indenture contains provisions for satisfaction and discharge of the entire indebtedness of this Security upon compliance by the Company with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.

The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire indebtedness of this Security or certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Security, in each case upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the

Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of this Security shall not have the right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or for any other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, the Holders of not less than 33% in principal amount of the Securities of this series at the time Outstanding shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default as Trustee and offered the Trustee reasonable indemnity, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of Securities of this series at the time Outstanding a direction inconsistent with such request, and shall have failed to institute any such proceeding, for 60 days after receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity. The foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder of this Security for the enforcement of any payment of principal hereof or any premium or interest hereon on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.

No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees. No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in minimum denominations of $2,000 principal amount and integral multiples of $1,000 principal amount in excess thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of

Securities of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

THE INDENTURE AND THIS SECURITY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

Exhibit B

[FORM OF FACE OF SECURITY]

CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.

5.40% Senior Notes due 2033


Original Interest Accrual Date: February 23, 2023 Stated Maturity: March 1, 2033 Interest Rate: 5.40% Interest Payment Dates: March 1 and September 1 Initial Interest Payment Date: September 1, 2023 Regular Record Dates: February 15 and August 15 immediately preceding the applicable Interest Payment Date			Redeemable: Yes [X] No [ ] Redemption Date: At any time. Redemption Price: (1) Prior to December 1, 2032 (the “Par Call Date”), at a redemption price equal to the greater of: (i)(a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on this Security, or the portion thereof to be redeemed, that would be due if this Security matured on the Par Call Date but for the redemption (not including any portion of such payments of interest accrued to the Redemption Date) discounted to the Redemption Date on a semiannual basis at the applicable Treasury Rate plus 25 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption; and (ii) 100% of the principal amount of this Security or the portion thereof to be redeemed; plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed, if any, to, but excluding, the Redemption Date; or (2) on or after the Par Call Date, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of this Security or the portion thereof to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed, if any, to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

This Security is not an Original Issue Discount Security
within the meaning of the within-mentioned Indenture.
_____________________________


Principal Amount						Registered No. T-1
$_______________2						CUSIP 15189Y AH9

***CEDE & Co.***

2Reference is made to Schedule A attached hereto with respect to decreases and increases in the aggregate principal amount of Securities evidenced hereby.

specified above, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment, provided that any principal and premium, and any such installment of interest, which is overdue shall bear interest at the rate of 5.40% per annum (to the extent permitted by applicable law), from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment, and such interest shall be payable on demand. The amount of interest payable for any period shall be computed on the basis of twelve 30-day months and a 360-day year. The amount of interest payable for any partial period shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months and the days elapsed in any partial month. In the event that any date on which interest is payable on this Security is not a Business Day, then a payment of the interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay) with the same force and effect as if made on the date the payment was originally payable. A “Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be February 15 or August 15 (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and shall either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Securities of this series may be listed or traded, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange or automated quotation system, all as more fully provided in said Indenture.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

Dated: February 23, 2023 CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.

By:

Name: Jason P. Wells

Title: President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Attest:

Name: Vincent A. Mercaldi

Title: Secretary

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.,

As Trustee

Dated: February 23, 2023

By:

Authorized Signatory

SCHEDULE A

Aggregate Principal

Amount of Securities

Decrease in Aggregate

Increase in Aggregate

Remaining After

Notation by

Date of

Principal Amount of

Such Decrease or

Security

Adjustment

Securities

Increase

Registrar

[FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF SECURITY]

CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.

5.40% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2033

Prior to December 1, 2032 (the “Par Call Date”), the Company may redeem this Security at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of: (1)(a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the Redemption Date (assuming this Security, or such portion to be redeemed, matured on the Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 25 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and (2) 100% of the principal amount of this Security to be redeemed; plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.