HOUSTON - May 16, 2003 - CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) today announced that its electric transmission and distribution subsidiary, CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC, intends to sell through a private offering $200 million of general mortgage bonds due July 1, 2023. The net proceeds from this offering and other funds will be used to redeem $200 million principal amount of its 7-1/2 percent first mortgage bonds due July 1, 2023, plus pay a $7.0 million redemption premium.

The offer and sale of the general mortgage bonds have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and the general mortgage bonds may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any security and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offering would be unlawful.

For more information contact:
Media: Leticia Lowe, 713.207.7702
Investors: Marianne Paulsen, 713.207.6500