HOUSTON, Nov 2, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) announced today that Stephen C. Schaeffer, executive vice president and group president for CenterPoint Energy Gas Distribution & Sales, has elected to retire effective Dec. 1, 2004.

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"Steve has distinguished himself with this company for the last 35 years," said David M. McClanahan, president and chief executive officer of CenterPoint Energy. "He has clearly been among a handful of our leaders who played a key role in building this company to where it is today and shaping the energy industry. He is known widely throughout the electric industry as a pre- eminent expert and ultimate professional."

Schaeffer began his career with the company as a co-op student while attending the University of Texas. After receiving his electrical engineering degree, he spent a number of years in both electrical transmission and distribution and power generation. He played a significant role in formulating and executing the company's regulatory and legislative strategies in the late 80's and 90's. After leading some of the company's international endeavors, Schaeffer returned to help structure and launch CenterPoint Energy. He has spent the last two years heading up the company's gas distribution and sales business.

Until a successor is named, business unit leaders who previously reported to Schaeffer will report to the CEO.

CenterPoint Energy, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a domestic energy delivery company that includes electric transmission & distribution, natural gas distribution and sales, interstate pipeline and gathering operations, and more than 14,000 megawatts of power generation in Texas, of which approximately 2,500 megawatts are currently in mothball status. The company serves nearly five million metered customers primarily in Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. Assets total over $21 billion. With more than 11,000 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 130 years. For more information, visit the Web site at http://www.CenterPointEnergy.com .

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

media, Leticia Lowe, +1-713-207-7702, or investors, Marianne
Paulsen, +1-713-207-6500, both of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
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