HOUSTON, Dec 13, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) announced today that it has entered into a supplemental indenture with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (formerly JPMorgan Chase Bank), as trustee, with respect to its previously issued $255 million aggregate principal amount of 2.875 percent Convertible Senior Notes due 2024 (the "Notes"). JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association is the trustee under the indenture pursuant to which the Notes were originally issued. The company entered into the supplemental indenture in order to eliminate its right to settle the conversion of the Notes solely in shares of its common stock. The supplemental indenture does not modify the rights of the holders of the Notes.

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For a complete description of the changes to the terms of the Notes, holders should refer to the supplemental indenture filed as an exhibit to CenterPoint Energy's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission today.

CenterPoint Energy, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a domestic energy delivery company that includes electric transmission and 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 $19 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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