HOUSTON, Jan 25, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Lower than expected wholesale natural gas prices have prompted CenterPoint Energy (NYSE: CNP) to seek approval from the Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC) to lower the Gas Supply Rate (GSR) for customers in Arkansas for February and March bills. The GSR is the portion of a customer's bill that recovers the actual cost of the natural gas CenterPoint Energy purchases for its customers.

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"We are pleased to be able to pass this decrease on to customers, particularly during the winter time when natural gas bills are typically higher because of increased usage," said Ray Reid, vice president of Arkansas Gas operations for CenterPoint Energy. "Pending approval by the APSC, the lower GSR will go into effect beginning in February."

The GSR typically changes twice annually -- in November and April. However, lower natural gas prices led the company to adjust the GSR earlier than scheduled.

On average, residential customers will have a bill that is $12.29 lower in February and $8.75 lower in March. "CenterPoint Energy strives to manage its gas supply portfolio to protect its customers from the volatility of natural gas prices," Reid added.

CenterPoint Energy, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a domestic energy delivery company that includes electric transmission & distribution, natural gas distribution and sales, and interstate pipeline and gathering operations. The company serves nearly five million metered customers primarily in Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. Assets total approximately $16 billion. With more than 9,000 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

Alicia Dixon of CenterPoint Energy, +1-713-207-5885, or pager, +1-713-619-5143

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