<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!--p:4C4BBBCC0B895601851A45A83E8DB7DB,x:511aeea04c9a4ca7a3b813bf180c19d1-->
<!-- Document created using Wdesk  -->
<!-- Copyright 2020 Workiva -->
<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xmlns:schedoi-fednote="http://fasb.org/dis/schedoi-fednote/2019-01-31" xmlns:fs-interest="http://fasb.org/dis/fs-interest/2019-01-31" xmlns:sfp-ibo="http://fasb.org/stm/sfp-ibo/2019-01-31" xmlns:sfp-sbo="http://fasb.org/stm/sfp-sbo/2019-01-31" xmlns:sic-std="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic-std/2011-01-31" xmlns:stpr-std="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr-std-std-std/2018-01-31" xmlns:currency-ent-std="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency-ent-std/2019-01-31" xmlns:lea="http://fasb.org/dis/lea/2019-01-31" xmlns:ctbl="http://fasb.org/dis/ctbl/2019-01-31" xmlns:guar="http://fasb.org/dis/guar/2019-01-31" xmlns:ru="http://fasb.org/dis/ru/2019-01-31" xmlns:stpr-all="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr-all-all-all/2018-01-31" xmlns:leas="http://fasb.org/dis/leas/2019-01-31" xmlns:sfp-clreo="http://fasb.org/stm/sfp-clreo/2019-01-31" xmlns:iaoi="http://fasb.org/dis/iaoi/2019-01-31" xmlns:soi-ins="http://fasb.org/stm/soi-ins/2019-01-31" xmlns:country-ent-std="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country-ent-std/2017-01-31" xmlns:country="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2017-01-31" xmlns:fs-insa="http://fasb.org/dis/fs-insa/2019-01-31" xmlns:naics="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2017-01-31" xmlns:cce="http://fasb.org/dis/cce/2019-01-31" xmlns:inv="http://fasb.org/dis/inv/2019-01-31" xmlns:naics-ent-std="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics-ent-std/2017-01-31" xmlns:cnp="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/20200224" xmlns:srt-std="http://fasb.org/srt-std/2019-01-31" xmlns:stpr-ent-all="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr-ent-all-all-all/2018-01-31" xmlns:stpr-ent-std="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr-ent-std-std-std/2018-01-31" xmlns:schedoi-iiaa="http://fasb.org/dis/schedoi-iiaa/2019-01-31" xmlns:us-arcroles="http://fasb.org/us-arcroles/2019-01-31" xmlns:dccpoa="http://fasb.org/dis/dccpoa/2019-01-31" xmlns:soi-sbi="http://fasb.org/stm/soi-sbi/2019-01-31" xmlns:us-gaap-all="http://fasb.org/us-gaap-all/2019-01-31" xmlns:scf-sd="http://fasb.org/stm/scf-sd/2019-01-31" xmlns:ceclcalc3l="http://fasb.org/dis/ceclcalc3l/2019-01-31" xmlns:dei-ent-all="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei-ent-all/2019-01-31" xmlns:deprecated="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/arcrole/deprecated" xmlns:naics-all="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics-all/2017-01-31" xmlns:re="http://fasb.org/dis/re/2019-01-31" xmlns:srt-types="http://fasb.org/srt-types/2019-01-31" xmlns:reorg="http://fasb.org/dis/reorg/2019-01-31" xmlns:invco="http://fasb.org/dis/invco/2019-01-31" xmlns:currency-ent-all="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency-ent-all/2019-01-31" xmlns:currency-std="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency-std/2019-01-31" xmlns:currency-ent-dep="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency-ent-dep/2019-01-31" xmlns:aro="http://fasb.org/dis/aro/2019-01-31" xmlns:exch="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2019-01-31" xmlns:ocpfs="http://fasb.org/dis/ocpfs/2019-01-31" xmlns:currency="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2019-01-31" xmlns:naics-std="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics-std/2017-01-31" xmlns:srt-all="http://fasb.org/srt-all/2019-01-31" xmlns:codification-part="http://fasb.org/codification-part/2019-01-31" xmlns:srt="http://fasb.org/srt/2019-01-31" xmlns:deprecated1="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/deprecated" xmlns:sec-re="http://fasb.org/dis/sec-re/2019-01-31" xmlns:soi-int="http://fasb.org/stm/soi-int/2019-01-31" xmlns:emjv="http://fasb.org/dis/emjv/2019-01-31" xmlns:sec-suppc="http://fasb.org/dis/sec-suppc/2019-01-31" xmlns:equity="http://fasb.org/dis/equity/2019-01-31" xmlns:ix="http://www.xbrl.org/2013/inlineXBRL" xmlns:se="http://fasb.org/dis/se/2019-01-31" xmlns:crcrb="http://fasb.org/dis/crcrb/2019-01-31" xmlns:edco="http://fasb.org/dis/edco/2019-01-31" xmlns:te="http://fasb.org/dis/te/2019-01-31" xmlns:dei-all="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei-all/2019-01-31" xmlns:fs-bd="http://fasb.org/dis/fs-bd/2019-01-31" xmlns:invest-all="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest-all/2013-01-31" xmlns:hco="http://fasb.org/dis/hco/2019-01-31" xmlns:fs-bt="http://fasb.org/dis/fs-bt/2019-01-31" xmlns:us-roles="http://fasb.org/us-roles/2019-01-31" xmlns:dr="http://fasb.org/dis/dr/2019-01-31" xmlns:ero="http://fasb.org/dis/ero/2019-01-31" xmlns:country-ent-all="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country-ent-all/2017-01-31" xmlns:schedoi-oocw="http://fasb.org/dis/schedoi-oocw/2019-01-31" xmlns:cecl="http://fasb.org/dis/cecl/2019-01-31" xmlns:rpd="http://fasb.org/dis/rpd/2019-01-31" xmlns:schedoi-sumhold="http://fasb.org/dis/schedoi-sumhold/2019-01-31" xmlns:ceclcalc2="http://fasb.org/dis/ceclcalc2/2019-01-31" xmlns:othliab="http://fasb.org/dis/othliab/2019-01-31" xmlns:soi-egm="http://fasb.org/stm/soi-egm/2019-01-31" xmlns:schedoi-shorthold="http://fasb.org/dis/schedoi-shorthold/2019-01-31" xmlns:soi="http://fasb.org/stm/soi/2019-01-31" xmlns:diha="http://fasb.org/dis/diha/2019-01-31" xmlns:debt="http://fasb.org/dis/debt/2019-01-31" xmlns:schedoi-hold="http://fasb.org/dis/schedoi-hold/2019-01-31" xmlns:num="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" xmlns:invest-std="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest-std/2013-01-31" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:us-gaap-ent-std="http://fasb.org/us-gaap-ent-std/2019-01-31" xmlns:bc="http://fasb.org/dis/bc/2019-01-31" xmlns:sic-ent-all="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic-ent-all/2011-01-31" xmlns:exch-ent-std="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch-ent-std/2019-01-31" xmlns:invest-ent-all="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest-ent-all/2013-01-31" xmlns:rcc="http://fasb.org/dis/rcc/2019-01-31" xmlns:rd="http://fasb.org/dis/rd/2019-01-31" xmlns:sfp-ucreo="http://fasb.org/stm/sfp-ucreo/2019-01-31" xmlns:eui="http://fasb.org/dis/eui/2019-01-31" xmlns:dei="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019-01-31" xmlns:ap="http://fasb.org/dis/ap/2019-01-31" xmlns:soi-reit="http://fasb.org/stm/soi-reit/2019-01-31" xmlns:fs-mort="http://fasb.org/dis/fs-mort/2019-01-31" xmlns:sec-reins="http://fasb.org/dis/sec-reins/2019-01-31" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:sec-cndfir="http://fasb.org/dis/sec-cndfir/2019-01-31" xmlns:sr="http://fasb.org/dis/sr/2019-01-31" xmlns:currency-all="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency-all/2019-01-31" xmlns:scf-dbo="http://fasb.org/stm/scf-dbo/2019-01-31" xmlns:fs-fhlb="http://fasb.org/dis/fs-fhlb/2019-01-31" xmlns:crcpb="http://fasb.org/dis/crcpb/2019-01-31" xmlns:dei-ent-std="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei-ent-std/2019-01-31" xmlns:us-types="http://fasb.org/us-types/2019-01-31" xmlns:scf-inv="http://fasb.org/stm/scf-inv/2019-01-31" xmlns:scf-indira="http://fasb.org/stm/scf-indira/2019-01-31" xmlns:bsoff="http://fasb.org/dis/bsoff/2019-01-31" xmlns:exch-ent-all="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch-ent-all/2019-01-31" xmlns:oi="http://fasb.org/dis/oi/2019-01-31" xmlns:soi-indira="http://fasb.org/stm/soi-indira/2019-01-31" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:schedoi-otsh="http://fasb.org/dis/schedoi-otsh/2019-01-31" xmlns:sfp-dbo="http://fasb.org/stm/sfp-dbo/2019-01-31" xmlns:cc="http://fasb.org/dis/cc/2019-01-31" xmlns:nonnum="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" xmlns:crcsbp="http://fasb.org/dis/crcsbp/2019-01-31" xmlns:disops="http://fasb.org/dis/disops/2019-01-31" xmlns:reference="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/reference" xmlns:cn-part="http://fasb.org/cn-part/2019-01-31" xmlns:us-gaap="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2019-01-31" xmlns:srt-roles="http://fasb.org/srt-roles/2019-01-31" xmlns:country-std="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country-std/2017-01-31" xmlns:net="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/net" xmlns:scf-indir="http://fasb.org/stm/scf-indir/2019-01-31" xmlns:rlnro="http://fasb.org/dis/rlnro/2019-01-31" xmlns:ts="http://fasb.org/dis/ts/2019-01-31" xmlns:us-gaap-std="http://fasb.org/us-gaap-std/2019-01-31" xmlns:naics-ent-all="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics-ent-all/2017-01-31" xmlns:ref="http://www.xbrl.org/2006/ref" xmlns:scf-dir="http://fasb.org/stm/scf-dir/2019-01-31" xmlns:dei-std="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei-std/2019-01-31" xmlns:ni="http://fasb.org/dis/ni/2019-01-31" xmlns:sec-mort="http://fasb.org/dis/sec-mort/2019-01-31" xmlns:fifvd="http://fasb.org/dis/fifvd/2019-01-31" xmlns:otherexp="http://fasb.org/dis/otherexp/2019-01-31" xmlns:scf-re="http://fasb.org/stm/scf-re/2019-01-31" xmlns:sec-vq="http://fasb.org/dis/sec-vq/2019-01-31" xmlns:sec-sum="http://fasb.org/dis/sec-sum/2019-01-31" xmlns:exch-std="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch-std/2019-01-31" xmlns:invest="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013-01-31" xmlns:ir="http://fasb.org/dis/ir/2019-01-31" xmlns:sheci="http://fasb.org/stm/sheci/2019-01-31" xmlns:foct="http://fasb.org/dis/foct/2019-01-31" xmlns:soc="http://fasb.org/stm/soc/2019-01-31" xmlns:scf-sbo="http://fasb.org/stm/scf-sbo/2019-01-31" xmlns:inctax="http://fasb.org/dis/inctax/2019-01-31" xmlns:ppe="http://fasb.org/dis/ppe/2019-01-31" xmlns:country-all="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country-all/2017-01-31" xmlns:ixt-sec="http://www.sec.gov/inlineXBRL/transformation/2015-08-31" xmlns:con="http://fasb.org/dis/con/2019-01-31" xmlns:sic-ent-std="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic-ent-std/2011-01-31" xmlns:ixt="http://www.xbrl.org/inlineXBRL/transformation/2015-02-26" xmlns:invest-ent-std="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest-ent-std/2013-01-31" xmlns:fs-ins="http://fasb.org/dis/fs-ins/2019-01-31" xmlns:eps="http://fasb.org/dis/eps/2019-01-31" xmlns:stpr="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018-01-31" xmlns:iago="http://fasb.org/dis/iago/2019-01-31" xmlns:pay="http://fasb.org/dis/pay/2019-01-31" xmlns:sic="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011-01-31" xmlns:tin-part="http://fasb.org/tin-part/2019-01-31" xmlns:acec="http://fasb.org/dis/acec/2019-01-31" xmlns:us-gaap-entryPoint-all="http://fasb.org/us-gaap-entryPoint-all/2019-01-31" xmlns:xbrldi="http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi" xmlns:nt="http://fasb.org/dis/nt/2019-01-31" xmlns:spc="http://fasb.org/stm/spc/2019-01-31" xmlns:exch-all="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch-all/2019-01-31" xmlns:ides="http://fasb.org/dis/ides/2019-01-31" xmlns:sec-supins="http://fasb.org/dis/sec-supins/2019-01-31" xmlns:sic-all="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic-all/2011-01-31" xmlns:xl="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/XLink" xmlns:regop="http://fasb.org/dis/regop/2019-01-31" xmlns:sfp-cls="http://fasb.org/stm/sfp-cls/2019-01-31" xmlns:com="http://fasb.org/stm/com/2019-01-31" xmlns:soi-re="http://fasb.org/stm/soi-re/2019-01-31" xmlns:crcgen="http://fasb.org/dis/crcgen/2019-01-31" xmlns:exch-ent-dep="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch-ent-dep/2019-01-31" xmlns:negated="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negated" xmlns:ei="http://fasb.org/dis/ei/2019-01-31" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt">
	<head>
		<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html" />
		<title>Document</title>
	</head>
	<body><div style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;">
<div style="display:none"><ix:header><ix:hidden><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="D2020Q1ces" name="dei:AmendmentFlag" id="Fact-E8F71D05ED5F5F239043B50E129BC0FE-wk-Fact-E8F71D05ED5F5F239043B50E129BC0FE" format="ixt:booleanfalse">false</ix:nonNumeric><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="D2020Q1ces" name="dei:EntityCentralIndexKey" id="Fact-C91D5B8B0BA05E39ACF44324537A8E77-wk-Fact-C91D5B8B0BA05E39ACF44324537A8E77">0001130310</ix:nonNumeric><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cnp_CenterPointEnergyResourcesCorp.Member" name="dei:EntityCentralIndexKey" id="Fact-F34295DC8C575CFD826F138379178987-wk-Fact-F34295DC8C575CFD826F138379178987">0001042773</ix:nonNumeric><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="D2020Q1ces" name="dei:EntityRegistrantName" id="Fact-B3BFF5A6D589542287052BF08B503721-wk-Fact-B3BFF5A6D589542287052BF08B503721">CENTERPOINT ENERGY INC</ix:nonNumeric><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cnp_CenterPointEnergyResourcesCorp.Member" name="dei:EntityRegistrantName" id="Fact-573AC2C8E1E35D369E79D01D6EFEB308-wk-Fact-573AC2C8E1E35D369E79D01D6EFEB308">CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.</ix:nonNumeric><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis_cnp_ChicagoStockExchangeMember_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_us-gaap_CommonStockMember" name="dei:Security12bTitle" id="Fact-082AC4D74E8D5234893D79F6E5600B40-wk-Fact-082AC4D74E8D5234893D79F6E5600B40">Common Stock, $0.01 par value</ix:nonNumeric><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis_cnp_ChicagoStockExchangeMember_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_us-gaap_CommonStockMember" name="dei:TradingSymbol" id="Fact-A4CC54BBB5BD5D68A94D0CFAEECD1C28-wk-Fact-A4CC54BBB5BD5D68A94D0CFAEECD1C28">CNP</ix:nonNumeric></ix:hidden><ix:references><link:schemaRef xlink:href="cnp-20200224.xsd" xlink:type="simple"></link:schemaRef></ix:references><ix:resources><xbrli:context id="D2020Q1ces">
		<xbrli:entity>
			<xbrli:identifier scheme="http://www.sec.gov/CIK">0001130310</xbrli:identifier>
		</xbrli:entity>
		<xbrli:period>
			<xbrli:startDate>2020-02-24</xbrli:startDate>
			<xbrli:endDate>2020-02-24</xbrli:endDate>
		</xbrli:period>
	</xbrli:context><xbrli:context id="D2020Q1ces_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cnp_CenterPointEnergyResourcesCorp.Member">
		<xbrli:entity>
			<xbrli:identifier scheme="http://www.sec.gov/CIK">0001130310</xbrli:identifier>
			<xbrli:segment>
				<xbrldi:explicitMember dimension="dei:LegalEntityAxis">cnp:CenterPointEnergyResourcesCorp.Member</xbrldi:explicitMember>
			</xbrli:segment>
		</xbrli:entity>
		<xbrli:period>
			<xbrli:startDate>2020-02-24</xbrli:startDate>
			<xbrli:endDate>2020-02-24</xbrli:endDate>
		</xbrli:period>
	</xbrli:context><xbrli:context id="D2020Q1ces_dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis_cnp_NewYorkStockExchangeMember_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_cnp_DepositarysharesMember">
		<xbrli:entity>
			<xbrli:identifier scheme="http://www.sec.gov/CIK">0001130310</xbrli:identifier>
			<xbrli:segment>
				<xbrldi:explicitMember dimension="dei:EntityListingsExchangeAxis">cnp:NewYorkStockExchangeMember</xbrldi:explicitMember>
				<xbrldi:explicitMember dimension="us-gaap:StatementClassOfStockAxis">cnp:DepositarysharesMember</xbrldi:explicitMember>
			</xbrli:segment>
		</xbrli:entity>
		<xbrli:period>
			<xbrli:startDate>2020-02-24</xbrli:startDate>
			<xbrli:endDate>2020-02-24</xbrli:endDate>
		</xbrli:period>
	</xbrli:context><xbrli:context id="D2020Q1ces_dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis_cnp_ChicagoStockExchangeMember_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_us-gaap_CommonStockMember">
		<xbrli:entity>
			<xbrli:identifier scheme="http://www.sec.gov/CIK">0001130310</xbrli:identifier>
			<xbrli:segment>
				<xbrldi:explicitMember dimension="dei:EntityListingsExchangeAxis">cnp:ChicagoStockExchangeMember</xbrldi:explicitMember>
				<xbrldi:explicitMember dimension="us-gaap:StatementClassOfStockAxis">us-gaap:CommonStockMember</xbrldi:explicitMember>
			</xbrli:segment>
		</xbrli:entity>
		<xbrli:period>
			<xbrli:startDate>2020-02-24</xbrli:startDate>
			<xbrli:endDate>2020-02-24</xbrli:endDate>
		</xbrli:period>
	</xbrli:context><xbrli:context id="D2020Q1ces_dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis_cnp_NewYorkStockExchangeMember_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_us-gaap_CommonStockMember">
		<xbrli:entity>
			<xbrli:identifier scheme="http://www.sec.gov/CIK">0001130310</xbrli:identifier>
			<xbrli:segment>
				<xbrldi:explicitMember dimension="dei:EntityListingsExchangeAxis">cnp:NewYorkStockExchangeMember</xbrldi:explicitMember>
				<xbrldi:explicitMember dimension="us-gaap:StatementClassOfStockAxis">us-gaap:CommonStockMember</xbrldi:explicitMember>
			</xbrli:segment>
		</xbrli:entity>
		<xbrli:period>
			<xbrli:startDate>2020-02-24</xbrli:startDate>
			<xbrli:endDate>2020-02-24</xbrli:endDate>
		</xbrli:period>
	</xbrli:context><xbrli:context id="D2020Q1ces_dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis_cnp_NewYorkStockExchangeMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cnp_CenterPointEnergyResourcesCorp.Member_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_cnp_A6.625SeniorNotesdue2037Member">
		<xbrli:entity>
			<xbrli:identifier scheme="http://www.sec.gov/CIK">0001130310</xbrli:identifier>
			<xbrli:segment>
				<xbrldi:explicitMember dimension="dei:EntityListingsExchangeAxis">cnp:NewYorkStockExchangeMember</xbrldi:explicitMember>
				<xbrldi:explicitMember dimension="dei:LegalEntityAxis">cnp:CenterPointEnergyResourcesCorp.Member</xbrldi:explicitMember>
				<xbrldi:explicitMember dimension="us-gaap:StatementClassOfStockAxis">cnp:A6.625SeniorNotesdue2037Member</xbrldi:explicitMember>
			</xbrli:segment>
		</xbrli:entity>
		<xbrli:period>
			<xbrli:startDate>2020-02-24</xbrli:startDate>
			<xbrli:endDate>2020-02-24</xbrli:endDate>
		</xbrli:period>
	</xbrli:context></ix:resources></ix:header></div><div><a id="s977A97EB04E259EC9576AF6496260ACA"></a></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div></div><div><br/></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;-sec-extract:summary;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:95.41284403669725%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="5"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:20%;"></td><td style="width:20%;"></td><td style="width:20%;"></td><td style="width:20%;"></td><td style="width:20%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:3px double #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:12px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:3px double #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:12px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:3px double #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:12px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:3px double #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:12px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:3px double #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:12px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:16pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:16pt;font-weight:bold;">UNITED STATES</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:16pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:16pt;font-weight:bold;">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">Washington, D.C. 20549</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:16pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:16pt;font-weight:bold;">FORM </span><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e113-wk-Fact-8C7DE4ABAA2C51A09A0E1F73EE048AB4" name="dei:DocumentType" contextRef="D2020Q1ces"><span style="font-size:16pt;font-weight:bold;">8-K</span></ix:nonNumeric></span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:16pt;font-weight:bold;"> </span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;">CURRENT REPORT</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;">Pursuant to Section&#160;13 or 15(d)</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;">of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;"> </span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;"><span><span style="white-space:nowrap"><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e141-wk-Fact-4376B42BB3A35E9D84BFCED6F08BB006" name="dei:DocumentPeriodEndDate" contextRef="D2020Q1ces" format="ixt:datemonthdayyearen">February 24, 2020</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;"> </span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;">_______________________________</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:16pt;"><span style="font-size:16pt;font-weight:bold;">CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:16pt;font-weight:bold;"> </span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:561px;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="6"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:128px;"></td><td style="width:97px;"></td><td style="width:121px;"></td><td style="width:34px;"></td><td style="width:72px;"></td><td style="width:108px;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e181-wk-Fact-9307B8D70AC7555BB8E1A465CE745160" name="dei:EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" contextRef="D2020Q1ces" format="ixt-sec:stateprovnameen">Texas</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e191-wk-Fact-FC6CCC4210F65AD6BDB680792A585A1E" name="dei:EntityFileNumber" contextRef="D2020Q1ces">1-31447</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e206-wk-Fact-DA5A91AD78B652088BA5141EA6004755" name="dei:EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" contextRef="D2020Q1ces">74-0694415</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:7pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:7pt;">(State or other jurisdiction</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:7pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:7pt;">(Commission File Number)</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:7pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:7pt;">(IRS Employer</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:7pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:7pt;">of incorporation)</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:7pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:7pt;">&#160;Identification No.)</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e305-wk-Fact-23EDAA73371559D3BE294721978BF106" name="dei:EntityAddressAddressLine1" contextRef="D2020Q1ces">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;1111 Louisiana</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:right;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e336-wk-Fact-28C6300939FF596ABD38E23C6CE6DD6C" name="dei:EntityAddressCityOrTown" contextRef="D2020Q1ces">Houston</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e341-wk-Fact-F06283675A215644A125A16E21C84716" name="dei:EntityAddressStateOrProvince" contextRef="D2020Q1ces" format="ixt-sec:stateprovnameen">Texas</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e351-wk-Fact-2448A426EE4D51B39DA7BB08CF19B62D" name="dei:EntityAddressPostalZipCode" contextRef="D2020Q1ces">77002</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:7pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:7pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;(Address of principal executive offices)</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:7pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:7pt;">(Zip Code)</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:right;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">Registrant&#8217;s telephone number, including area code:</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e444-wk-Fact-3C733F12464155AEB7C3BACD94F4ACF8" name="dei:CityAreaCode" contextRef="D2020Q1ces">(713)</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e449-wk-Fact-D0849BE56C4B5C8A993E27FCED0938E0" name="dei:LocalPhoneNumber" contextRef="D2020Q1ces">207-1111</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;">_______________________________</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:16pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:16pt;font-weight:bold;">CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. </span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:561px;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="6"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:128px;"></td><td style="width:97px;"></td><td style="width:121px;"></td><td style="width:34px;"></td><td style="width:72px;"></td><td style="width:108px;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e486-wk-Fact-180FE59A67C1580C93E41525903470AD" name="dei:EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cnp_CenterPointEnergyResourcesCorp.Member" format="ixt-sec:stateprovnameen">Delaware</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e496-wk-Fact-8644D37620FB548DA3F824F3C37D79A1" name="dei:EntityFileNumber" contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cnp_CenterPointEnergyResourcesCorp.Member">1-13265</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e511-wk-Fact-2CEEEA3006945B588FD34948E1DF8AE2" name="dei:EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cnp_CenterPointEnergyResourcesCorp.Member">76-0511406</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:7pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:7pt;">(State or other jurisdiction</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:7pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:7pt;">(Commission File Number)</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:7pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:7pt;">(IRS Employer</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:7pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:7pt;">of incorporation)</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:7pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:7pt;">&#160;Identification No.)</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e610-wk-Fact-5DBF7B51C3F95180A4F28B7E1E7688F5" name="dei:EntityAddressAddressLine1" contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cnp_CenterPointEnergyResourcesCorp.Member">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;1111 Louisiana</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:right;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e641-wk-Fact-4C765091F2D35C8381A675AC4A8AC7B4" name="dei:EntityAddressCityOrTown" contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cnp_CenterPointEnergyResourcesCorp.Member">Houston</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e646-wk-Fact-9B4E98BDBF1858E9807A6AA1AA65B0B9" name="dei:EntityAddressStateOrProvince" contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cnp_CenterPointEnergyResourcesCorp.Member" format="ixt-sec:stateprovnameen">Texas</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e656-wk-Fact-C9F9AB72C3325C30A3B91F7C24654DE7" name="dei:EntityAddressPostalZipCode" contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cnp_CenterPointEnergyResourcesCorp.Member">77002</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:7pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:7pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;(Address of principal executive offices)</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:7pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:7pt;">(Zip Code)</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:10px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:right;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">Registrant&#8217;s telephone number, including area code:</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e749-wk-Fact-2CD60BB729AE5E02B3078598E41250EA" name="dei:CityAreaCode" contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cnp_CenterPointEnergyResourcesCorp.Member">(713)</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e754-wk-Fact-19CF3B5A8CB454FFB3246A85E45C98B7" name="dei:LocalPhoneNumber" contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cnp_CenterPointEnergyResourcesCorp.Member">207-1111</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;">_______________________________</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:130%;text-align:justify;text-indent:24px;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-style:italic;">see </span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">General Instruction A.2. below):</span></div><div style="line-height:130%;text-align:justify;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:130%;text-align:justify;text-indent:24px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"></span><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e780-wk-Fact-D9D01710252958DC9E8BA98C6F2EF69C" name="dei:WrittenCommunications" contextRef="D2020Q1ces" format="ixt-sec:boolballotbox"><span style="font-family:Arial Unicode MS;">&#9744;</span></ix:nonNumeric></span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</span></div><div style="line-height:130%;text-align:justify;text-indent:24px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"></span><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e789-wk-Fact-27A8FAB53B3151EAABE296C29C414F87" name="dei:SolicitingMaterial" contextRef="D2020Q1ces" format="ixt-sec:boolballotbox"><span style="font-family:Arial Unicode MS;">&#9744;</span></ix:nonNumeric></span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</span></div><div style="line-height:130%;text-align:justify;text-indent:24px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"></span><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e798-wk-Fact-198A1160672458199BB7414A2F592962" name="dei:PreCommencementTenderOffer" contextRef="D2020Q1ces" format="ixt-sec:boolballotbox"><span style="font-family:Arial Unicode MS;">&#9744;</span></ix:nonNumeric></span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</span></div><div style="line-height:130%;text-align:justify;text-indent:24px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"></span><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e807-wk-Fact-DECDE2CFAA5958F4898ACF181CEAAC15" name="dei:PreCommencementIssuerTenderOffer" contextRef="D2020Q1ces" format="ixt-sec:boolballotbox"><span style="font-family:Arial Unicode MS;">&#9744;</span></ix:nonNumeric></span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</span></div><div><br/></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"></hr><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div></div><div><br/></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;width:96.83995922528032%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="4"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:35%;"></td><td style="width:24%;"></td><td style="width:12%;"></td><td style="width:29%;"></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;text-decoration:underline;">Registrant</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;text-decoration:underline;">Title of each class</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;text-decoration:underline;">Trading Symbol(s)</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;text-decoration:underline;">Name of each exchange on which registered</span></div></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2" style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">CenterPoint Energy, Inc.</span></div></td><td rowspan="2" style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e875-wk-Fact-50F91B16655C5086988505666F492694" name="dei:Security12bTitle" contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis_cnp_NewYorkStockExchangeMember_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_us-gaap_CommonStockMember">Common Stock, $0.01 par value</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td rowspan="2" style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e880-wk-Fact-5CFA9A147D38501F868A0BC76C4D9662" name="dei:TradingSymbol" contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis_cnp_NewYorkStockExchangeMember_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_us-gaap_CommonStockMember">CNP</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e885-wk-Fact-F3FFA5B05BFE54C399877E25D6744350" name="dei:SecurityExchangeName" contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis_cnp_NewYorkStockExchangeMember_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_us-gaap_CommonStockMember" format="ixt-sec:exchnameen">The New York Stock Exchange</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e906-wk-Fact-56B1939F5B69586EB873A14718523712" name="dei:SecurityExchangeName" contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis_cnp_ChicagoStockExchangeMember_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_us-gaap_CommonStockMember" format="ixt-sec:exchnameen">Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc.</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">CenterPoint Energy, Inc.</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e917-wk-Fact-D45BA5C5F24C5763B59AD23739E57460" name="dei:Security12bTitle" contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis_cnp_NewYorkStockExchangeMember_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_cnp_DepositarysharesMember">Depositary Shares for 1/20 of 7.00% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e922-wk-Fact-2129BAD99A735321ABF312DF27884970" name="dei:TradingSymbol" contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis_cnp_NewYorkStockExchangeMember_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_cnp_DepositarysharesMember">CNP/PB</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e927-wk-Fact-21285F80C66F515E9D1CE255BD3AAD67" name="dei:SecurityExchangeName" contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis_cnp_NewYorkStockExchangeMember_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_cnp_DepositarysharesMember" format="ixt-sec:exchnameen">The New York Stock Exchange</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e938-wk-Fact-DAF33D724C7F5F269A761DD59D12A392" name="dei:Security12bTitle" contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis_cnp_NewYorkStockExchangeMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cnp_CenterPointEnergyResourcesCorp.Member_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_cnp_A6.625SeniorNotesdue2037Member">6.625% Senior Notes due 2037<br/></ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e943-wk-Fact-DD3BF1E315D75EBDADFB9C47DD94F05F" name="dei:TradingSymbol" contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis_cnp_NewYorkStockExchangeMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cnp_CenterPointEnergyResourcesCorp.Member_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_cnp_A6.625SeniorNotesdue2037Member">n/a</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e948-wk-Fact-4D881FD5EF435CFB9BF34450B6DCE030" name="dei:SecurityExchangeName" contextRef="D2020Q1ces_dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis_cnp_NewYorkStockExchangeMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cnp_CenterPointEnergyResourcesCorp.Member_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_cnp_A6.625SeniorNotesdue2037Member" format="ixt-sec:exchnameen">The New York Stock Exchange</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:130%;text-align:justify;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (&#167;230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (&#167;240.12b-2). </span></div><div style="line-height:144%;text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:144%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">Emerging Growth Company </span><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d120743157e960-wk-Fact-C629EE1781BD533FA92C640ECCC5C6A4" name="dei:EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" contextRef="D2020Q1ces" format="ixt-sec:boolballotbox"><span style="font-family:Arial Unicode MS;">&#9744;</span></ix:nonNumeric></span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"> </span></div><div style="line-height:144%;text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:144%;text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">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. </span><span style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:9pt;">o</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;-sec-extract:summary;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="5"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:20%;"></td><td style="width:20%;"></td><td style="width:20%;"></td><td style="width:20%;"></td><td style="width:20%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:3px double #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:9px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:3px double #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:9px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:3px double #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:9px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:3px double #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:9px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:3px double #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:9px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div><br/></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"></hr><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div></div><div><br/></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:23px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;text-indent:52px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;text-indent:52px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">On February 24, 2020, CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp., a Delaware corporation (&#8220;Seller&#8221;) and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (the &#8220;Company&#8221;), entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement (the &#8220;Purchase Agreement&#8221;) by and between Seller and Athena Energy Services Buyer, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (&#8220;Buyer&#8221;), pursuant to which Seller has agreed to sell all of the outstanding capital stock of CenterPoint Energy Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (including as converted into a Delaware limited liability company prior to closing, &#8220;CES&#8221;) to Buyer.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;text-indent:52px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;text-indent:52px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Subject to the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement, Buyer has agreed to purchase all of the outstanding equity interests of CES (the &#8220;Transaction&#8221;). The purchase price for the Transaction is approximately $400 million, subject to customary adjustments set forth in the Purchase Agreement, including adjustments based on CES&#8217;s net working capital at closing, indebtedness and transaction expenses (as so adjusted, the &#8220;Purchase Price&#8221;). The Company and Seller estimate that their net after-tax proceeds from the sale of approximately $380 million to $390 million, inclusive of the working capital adjustment, which may be materially different from the estimated amount, will be used to repay a portion of outstanding debt in the second quarter of 2020. </span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;text-indent:52px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;text-indent:52px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The completion of the Transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including, among others (i) the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, (ii) the conversion of CES to a Delaware limited liability company, (iii) the distribution of the equity interests in CenterPoint Energy Intrastate Pipelines, LLC held by CES to Seller or its affiliates, and (iv) customary conditions regarding the accuracy of the representations and warranties and compliance by the parties in all material respects with their respective obligations under the Purchase Agreement. The Transaction is not subject to a financing condition. The Transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2020, subject to satisfaction of the foregoing conditions, among other things.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;text-indent:52px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:13px;text-align:justify;text-indent:52px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants related to CES and the Transaction. Between the date of the Purchase Agreement and the completion of the Transaction, Seller has agreed to cause CES to operate in the ordinary course of business and has agreed to certain other operating covenants with respect to the CES business as set forth more fully in the Purchase Agreement. The Purchase Agreement includes customary termination provisions, including if the closing of the Transaction has not occurred on or before June 24, 2020. Both Seller and Buyer have agreed to indemnify the other party for losses arising from certain breaches of covenants contained in the Purchase Agreement and other liabilities, subject to certain limitations.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:13px;text-align:justify;text-indent:52px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The foregoing description of the Purchase Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Purchase Agreement. A copy of the Purchase Agreement is filed as Exhibit 2.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference. The representations, warranties and covenants set forth in the Purchase Agreement have been made only for the purposes of the Purchase Agreement and solely for the benefit of the parties thereto and may be subject to limitations agreed upon by the contracting parties, including being qualified by confidential disclosures made for the purposes of allocating contractual risk between the parties to the Purchase Agreement instead of establishing these matters as facts. In addition, such representations and warranties were made only as of the dates specified in the Purchase Agreement and information regarding the subject matter thereof may change after the date of the Purchase Agreement. Accordingly, the Purchase Agreement is included with this filing only to provide investors with information regarding its terms and not to provide investors with any other factual information regarding CES or its business, or the Company or its business, as of the date of the Purchase Agreement or as of any other date.&#160;Investors and security holders should not rely on such representations and warranties as characterizations of the actual state of facts or circumstances, since they were made only as of a specific date, were negotiated by the parties and are modified in important part by the underlying disclosure schedules. In addition, certain representations and warranties may be subject to a contractual standard of materiality different from what might be viewed as material to shareholders.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:13px;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;text-indent:52px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">On February 24, 2020, the Company issued a press release announcing the Transaction. A copy of this press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;text-indent:52px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;text-indent:52px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">During the preparation of their financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company and Seller are performing an interim goodwill impairment valuation of their Energy Services reporting unit. The Company and Seller preliminarily anticipate the Transaction will result in aggregate after-tax goodwill impairment losses of approximately $45 million to be recognized in 2019. During the first quarter of 2020, the assets and liabilities representing substantially all of the businesses within the Company&#8217;s and Seller&#8217;s Energy Services reporting unit that will be sold in the Transaction (the disposal group) will be reflected as held for sale. As a result, the Company and Seller anticipate recording an after-tax </span></div><div><br/></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"></hr><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div></div><div><br/></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">impairment loss on the disposal group, consisting of both goodwill and long-lived asset impairments, of approximately $75 million, plus transaction costs, in 2020.&#160;The actual amount of the impairments recorded may be materially different from the preliminary amounts.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;text-indent:52px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The Company&#8217;s 2020 guidance range and target for earnings per share will to be provided on the Company&#8217;s fourth quarter and full-year 2019 earnings call on February 27, 2020. The sale of CES is expected to reduce the Company&#8217;s 2020  earnings by approximately $0.06 to $0.07 per diluted share of the Company&#8217;s common stock, excluding mark-to-market adjustments, on an annualized basis. However, despite the expected annual earnings impact, the sale is a key achievement in the Company&#8217;s ongoing strategic focus to strengthen its balance sheet and to improve its business risk profile and earnings quality through increased relative contribution of its core utility businesses.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;text-indent:52px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;text-indent:52px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The information furnished in Item 7.01 and Exhibit 99.1 are not deemed &#8220;filed&#8221; for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the &#8220;Exchange Act&#8221;), is not subject to the liabilities of that section and is not deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;text-indent:52px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">As included in this Current Report, 2020 earnings, excluding mark-to-market adjustments, per diluted share, is a non-GAAP measure that does not consider the timing effects of mark-to-market accounting in the CES&#8217;s business which could have a material impact on GAAP reported results for the applicable forward-looking period. CenterPoint Energy is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking 2020 earnings, excluding mark-to-market adjustments, per diluted share because mark-to-market gains or losses resulting from CES&#8217;s business is not estimable as it is highly variable and difficult to predict due to various factors outside of management&#8217;s control.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;padding-left:0px;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="1"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:100%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements</span></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:11px;text-align:justify;text-indent:25px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">This Current Report may contain &#8220;forward-looking statements&#8221; within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this Current Report are forward-looking statements made in good faith by us and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.&#160; When used in this Current Report, the words &#8220;anticipate,&#8221; &#8220;believe,&#8221; &#8220;continue,&#8221; &#8220;could,&#8221; &#8220;estimate,&#8221; &#8220;expect,&#8221; &#8220;forecast,&#8221; &#8220;goal,&#8221; &#8220;intend,&#8221; &#8220;may,&#8221; &#8220;objective,&#8221; &#8220;plan,&#8221; &#8220;potential,&#8221; &#8220;predict,&#8221; &#8220;projection,&#8221; &#8220;should,&#8221; &#8220;target,&#8221; &#8220;will&#8221; or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements.&#160;These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to benefits of the sale, the timing of the closing, the accounting treatment of the Transaction by the Company and Seller, including the anticipated impairment, use of proceeds and forecasted earnings reduction. Each forward-looking statement contained in this Current Report speaks only as of the date of this report. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the timing of the expiration or termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period and the receipt of any consents, waivers or approvals required to be obtained pursuant to applicable antitrust laws, (2) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Transaction or could otherwise cause the failure of the Transaction to close, (3) the risk that a condition to the closing of the Transaction may not be satisfied, (4) the outcome of any legal proceedings, regulatory proceedings or enforcement matters that may be instituted relating to the Transaction, (5) the timing to consummate the Transaction, (6) disruption from the Transaction making it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees, regulators or suppliers, (7) the diversion of management time and attention on the Transaction and (8) other factors discussed in the Company&#8217;s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2019, June 30, 2019 and September 30, 2019, and other reports the Company or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:23px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:23px;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(d)&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Exhibits.</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"> &#160;</span></div><div><br/></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"></hr><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div></div><div><br/></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:13%;"></td><td style="width:6%;"></td><td style="width:81%;"></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="padding-bottom:1px;padding-top:1px;text-align:center;padding-left:1px;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;">EXHIBIT</span></div><div style="padding-bottom:1px;padding-top:1px;text-align:center;padding-left:1px;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;">NUMBER</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;">&#160;&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;">EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;border-top:1px solid #000000;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">2.1*</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><a style="text-decoration:underline;color:#0000FF;-sec-extract:exhibit;" href="exhibit21.htm"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 24, 2020, by and between CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. and Athena Energy Services Buyer, LLC</span></a></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">99.1</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><a style="text-decoration:underline;color:#0000FF;-sec-extract:exhibit;" href="exhibit9912.htm"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Press Release issued by the Company on February 24, 2020</span></a></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">104</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document</span></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;">______________________________________________________</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">*Schedules and similar attachments have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:8px;text-align:justify;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div><br/></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"></hr><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div></div><div><br/></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">SIGNATURE</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:48%;"></td><td style="width:5%;"></td><td style="width:47%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:17px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:17px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:17px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Date:  February 24, 2020</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:right;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">By:</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">/s/ Jason M. Ryan                          </span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Jason M. Ryan</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Senior Vice President and General Counsel</span></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;text-indent:18px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:99.89806320081549%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:48%;"></td><td style="width:5%;"></td><td style="width:47%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:17px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:17px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:17px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Date:  February 24, 2020</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:right;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">By:</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">/s/ Jason M. Ryan                          </span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Jason M. Ryan</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Senior Vice President and General Counsel</span></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div><br/></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div></div>	</div></body>
</html>
[{"type": "8-K", "sequence": "1", "filename": "a8-k101athena.htm", "description": "8-K", "secsgml_size_bytes": 98970}]
[{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "CENTERPOINT ENERGY INC", "cik": "0001130310", "assigned-sic": "4911", "irs-number": "740694415", "state-of-incorporation": "TX", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "001-31447", "film-number": "20641998"}, "business-address": {"street1": "1111 LOUISIANA ST.", "city": "HOUSTON", "state": "TX", "zip": "77002", "phone": "7132073000"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "1111 LOUISIANA ST.", "city": "HOUSTON", "state": "TX", "zip": "77002"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "RELIANT ENERGY REGCO INC", "date-changed": "20001220"}}, {"company-data": {"conformed-name": "CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP", "cik": "0001042773", "assigned-sic": "4911", "irs-number": "760511406", "state-of-incorporation": "TX", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "001-13265", "film-number": "20641999"}, "business-address": {"street1": "1111 LOUISIANA ST", "city": "HOUSTON", "state": "TX", "zip": "77002", "phone": "713-207-3000"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "1111 LOUISIANA ST", "city": "HOUSTON", "state": "TX", "zip": "77002"}, "former-company": [{"former-conformed-name": "RELIANT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP", "date-changed": "19990317"}, {"former-conformed-name": "NORAM ENERGY CORP/", "date-changed": "19970808"}, {"former-conformed-name": "HI MERGER INC", "date-changed": "19970721"}]}]
Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
February 24, 2020
_______________________________
CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Texas
1-31447
74-0694415
(State or other jurisdiction
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer
of incorporation)
Identification No.)
1111 Louisiana
Houston
Texas
77002
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(713)
207-1111
_______________________________
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
1-13265
76-0511406
(State or other jurisdiction
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer
of incorporation)
Identification No.)
1111 Louisiana
Houston
Texas
77002
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(713)
207-1111
_______________________________
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (
see
General Instruction A.2. below):
☐
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
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
Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
Depositary Shares for 1/20 of 7.00% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value
CNP/PB
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 is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2).
Emerging Growth Company
☐
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
Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
On February 24, 2020, CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp., a Delaware corporation ("Seller") and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (the "Company"), entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") by and between Seller and Athena Energy Services Buyer, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Buyer"), pursuant to which Seller has agreed to sell all of the outstanding capital stock of CenterPoint Energy Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (including as converted into a Delaware limited liability company prior to closing, "CES") to Buyer.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement, Buyer has agreed to purchase all of the outstanding equity interests of CES (the "Transaction"). The purchase price for the Transaction is approximately $400 million, subject to customary adjustments set forth in the Purchase Agreement, including adjustments based on CES's net working capital at closing, indebtedness and transaction expenses (as so adjusted, the "Purchase Price"). The Company and Seller estimate that their net after-tax proceeds from the sale of approximately $380 million to $390 million, inclusive of the working capital adjustment, which may be materially different from the estimated amount, will be used to repay a portion of outstanding debt in the second quarter of 2020.
The completion of the Transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including, among others (i) the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, (ii) the conversion of CES to a Delaware limited liability company, (iii) the distribution of the equity interests in CenterPoint Energy Intrastate Pipelines, LLC held by CES to Seller or its affiliates, and (iv) customary conditions regarding the accuracy of the representations and warranties and compliance by the parties in all material respects with their respective obligations under the Purchase Agreement. The Transaction is not subject to a financing condition. The Transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2020, subject to satisfaction of the foregoing conditions, among other things.
The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants related to CES and the Transaction. Between the date of the Purchase Agreement and the completion of the Transaction, Seller has agreed to cause CES to operate in the ordinary course of business and has agreed to certain other operating covenants with respect to the CES business as set forth more fully in the Purchase Agreement. The Purchase Agreement includes customary termination provisions, including if the closing of the Transaction has not occurred on or before June 24, 2020. Both Seller and Buyer have agreed to indemnify the other party for losses arising from certain breaches of covenants contained in the Purchase Agreement and other liabilities, subject to certain limitations.
The foregoing description of the Purchase Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Purchase Agreement. A copy of the Purchase Agreement is filed as Exhibit 2.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference. The representations, warranties and covenants set forth in the Purchase Agreement have been made only for the purposes of the Purchase Agreement and solely for the benefit of the parties thereto and may be subject to limitations agreed upon by the contracting parties, including being qualified by confidential disclosures made for the purposes of allocating contractual risk between the parties to the Purchase Agreement instead of establishing these matters as facts. In addition, such representations and warranties were made only as of the dates specified in the Purchase Agreement and information regarding the subject matter thereof may change after the date of the Purchase Agreement. Accordingly, the Purchase Agreement is included with this filing only to provide investors with information regarding its terms and not to provide investors with any other factual information regarding CES or its business, or the Company or its business, as of the date of the Purchase Agreement or as of any other date. Investors and security holders should not rely on such representations and warranties as characterizations of the actual state of facts or circumstances, since they were made only as of a specific date, were negotiated by the parties and are modified in important part by the underlying disclosure schedules. In addition, certain representations and warranties may be subject to a contractual standard of materiality different from what might be viewed as material to shareholders.
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.
On February 24, 2020, the Company issued a press release announcing the Transaction. A copy of this press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.
During the preparation of their financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company and Seller are performing an interim goodwill impairment valuation of their Energy Services reporting unit. The Company and Seller preliminarily anticipate the Transaction will result in aggregate after-tax goodwill impairment losses of approximately $45 million to be recognized in 2019. During the first quarter of 2020, the assets and liabilities representing substantially all of the businesses within the Company's and Seller's Energy Services reporting unit that will be sold in the Transaction (the disposal group) will be reflected as held for sale. As a result, the Company and Seller anticipate recording an after-tax
impairment loss on the disposal group, consisting of both goodwill and long-lived asset impairments, of approximately $75 million, plus transaction costs, in 2020. The actual amount of the impairments recorded may be materially different from the preliminary amounts.
The Company's 2020 guidance range and target for earnings per share will to be provided on the Company's fourth quarter and full-year 2019 earnings call on February 27, 2020. The sale of CES is expected to reduce the Company's 2020  earnings by approximately $0.06 to $0.07 per diluted share of the Company's common stock, excluding mark-to-market adjustments, on an annualized basis. However, despite the expected annual earnings impact, the sale is a key achievement in the Company's ongoing strategic focus to strengthen its balance sheet and to improve its business risk profile and earnings quality through increased relative contribution of its core utility businesses.
The information furnished in Item 7.01 and Exhibit 99.1 are not deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), is not subject to the liabilities of that section and is not deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
As included in this Current Report, 2020 earnings, excluding mark-to-market adjustments, per diluted share, is a non-GAAP measure that does not consider the timing effects of mark-to-market accounting in the CES's business which could have a material impact on GAAP reported results for the applicable forward-looking period. CenterPoint Energy is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking 2020 earnings, excluding mark-to-market adjustments, per diluted share because mark-to-market gains or losses resulting from CES's business is not estimable as it is highly variable and difficult to predict due to various factors outside of management's control.
Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Current Report may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this Current Report are forward-looking statements made in good faith by us and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  When used in this Current Report, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to benefits of the sale, the timing of the closing, the accounting treatment of the Transaction by the Company and Seller, including the anticipated impairment, use of proceeds and forecasted earnings reduction. Each forward-looking statement contained in this Current Report speaks only as of the date of this report. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the timing of the expiration or termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period and the receipt of any consents, waivers or approvals required to be obtained pursuant to applicable antitrust laws, (2) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Transaction or could otherwise cause the failure of the Transaction to close, (3) the risk that a condition to the closing of the Transaction may not be satisfied, (4) the outcome of any legal proceedings, regulatory proceedings or enforcement matters that may be instituted relating to the Transaction, (5) the timing to consummate the Transaction, (6) disruption from the Transaction making it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees, regulators or suppliers, (7) the diversion of management time and attention on the Transaction and (8) other factors discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2019, June 30, 2019 and September 30, 2019, and other reports the Company or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d)    Exhibits.
EXHIBIT
NUMBER
EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
2.1*
Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 24, 2020, by and between CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. and Athena Energy Services Buyer, LLC
99.1
Press Release issued by the Company on February 24, 2020
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
______________________________________________________
*Schedules and similar attachments have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.
Date:  February 24, 2020
By:
/s/ Jason M. Ryan
Jason M. Ryan
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC
Date:  February 24, 2020
By:
/s/ Jason M. Ryan
Jason M. Ryan
Senior Vice President and General Counsel