Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
The following combined discussion and analysis should be read in combination with the Interim Condensed Financial Statements contained in this combined Form 10-Q and the Registrants’ combined 2024 Form 10-K. When discussing CenterPoint Energy’s consolidated financial information, it includes the results of Houston Electric and CERC, which, along with CenterPoint Energy, are collectively referred to as the Registrants. Unless the context indicates otherwise, specific references to Houston Electric and CERC also pertain to CenterPoint Energy. In this combined Form 10-Q, the terms “our,” “we” and “us” are used as abbreviated references to CenterPoint Energy, Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including Houston Electric and CERC, unless otherwise stated. No Registrant makes any representations as to the information related solely to CenterPoint Energy or the subsidiaries of CenterPoint Energy other than itself.
RECENT EVENTS
CenterPoint Energy Appointment of Chief Operating Officer. On July 21, 2025, CenterPoint Energy announced the appointment of Jesus Soto, Jr. to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective August 11, 2025.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and Executive Order 14315. On July 4, 2025, the OBBBA was signed into law. The OBBBA includes significant provisions, such as the permanent extension of certain expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and numerous changes to the energy tax credits initially introduced and expanded under the IRA. The legislation has multiple effective dates, with certain provisions effective in 2025 and others implemented through 2027. Additionally, on July 7, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14315, which relates to the implementation of such changes to energy tax credits. The Registrants are evaluating the OBBBA for the effect on their future financial results, and the Registrants will consider the impacts of the OBBBA and Executive Order 14315 on any future generation projects, including any BTAs or PPAs, as applicable. As a result of the Registrants having limited generation activities qualifying for tax credits under the IRA, the Registrants do not expect material impacts resulting from the changes to the IRA.
Temporary Generation. In June 2025, Houston Electric entered into definitive documentation, subject to PUCT approval, with relevant parties to release the 15 large 27 MW to 32 MW TEEEF units to the San Antonio area for a period of up to two years, during which time Houston Electric will not receive revenue or profit from ERCOT and will also not charge Houston-area customers for these TEEEF units while they are in San Antonio serving ERCOT. For additional information, see Note 6 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
Updated 10-Year Capital Plan. Following CenterPoint Energy’s announcement in April 2025 of an increase of $1 billion to the previously announced 10-year capital plan initially established in 2021, CenterPoint Energy announced in May and July 2025 additional increases of approximately $4 billion and $500 million, respectively, to reflect total capital expenditures of approximately $53 billion through 2030. The additional capital investment is expected to support growth in Texas.
Ohio Natural Gas LDC Sale. In May 2025, CenterPoint Energy announced that it is planning to sell its Ohio natural gas LDC business to support the efficient recycling of capital and portfolio optimization. As of June 30, 2025, the assets associated with this proposed transaction do not meet the requirements to be classified as held for sale.
Forward Sale Agreements. In May 2025, CenterPoint Energy entered into separate forward sale agreements with certain financial institutions relating to an aggregate of 24,864,865 shares of Common Stock. For additional information, see Note 15 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
Equity Distribution Agreement. In April 2025, CenterPoint Energy entered into separate forward sale agreements pursuant to the Equity Distribution Agreement with certain of the ATM Forward Purchasers relating to 3,277,764 shares and 680,902 shares of Common Stock at an initial forward price of $36.29 per share and $36.72 per share, respectively. In May 2025, CenterPoint Energy entered into a forward sale agreement with an ATM Forward Purchaser relating to 521,962 shares of Common Stock at an initial forward price of $37.49 per share. For additional information, see Note 15 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
Divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi Natural Gas Businesses. On March 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., completed the sale of its Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses for approximately $1.2 billion, subject to adjustment as set forth in the LAMS Asset Purchase Agreement, including adjustments based on net working capital, regulatory assets and liabilities and capital expenditures at closing. For information about this transaction, see Note 3 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
Acquisition of Posey Solar. On March 7, 2025, SIGECO acquired 100% of the equity interests in Posey Solar, which was constructing a 191 MW solar array in Posey County, Indiana, for approximately $357 million. For information about this transaction, see Note 3 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
Regulatory Proceedings. For further information, see Note 6 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements. For information related to our pending and completed regulatory proceedings to date in 2025, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources —Regulatory Matters” below.
Debt Transactions. For information about debt transactions to date in 2025, see Note 9 and Note 16 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
For information regarding factors that may affect the future results of our consolidated operations, see “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of the Registrants’ combined 2024 Form 10-K.
Net income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 was as follows:
| Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | Favorable (Unfavorable) | 2025 | 2024 | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Electric | $ | 171 | $ | 215 | $ | (44) | $ | 279 | $ | 336 | $ | (57) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas | 86 | 47 | 39 | 314 | 330 | (16) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Utility Operations | 257 | 262 | (5) | 593 | 666 | (73) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and Other (1) | (59) | (34) | (25) | (98) | (88) | (10) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total CenterPoint Energy | $ | 198 | $ | 228 | $ | (30) | $ | 495 | $ | 578 | $ | (83) |
(1)Includes unallocated corporate costs, interest income and interest expense and intercompany eliminations.
Three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to three months ended June 30, 2024
Net income decreased $30 million primarily due to the following items:
-
a decrease in net income of $44 million for the Electric reportable segment, as further discussed below;
-
an increase in net income of $39 million for the Natural Gas reportable segment, as further discussed below; and
-
a decrease in net income of $25 million for Corporate and Other, primarily due to $14 million after-tax expense associated with increased borrowing costs and $27 million associated with an increase in tax expense, partially offset by a $21 million after-tax gain on early extinguishment of debt with proceeds from the divestiture of the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs. See Note 3 and Note 9 for additional detail.
Six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to six months ended June 30, 2024
Net income decreased $83 million primarily due to the following items:
-
a decrease in net income of $57 million for the Electric reportable segment, as further discussed below;
-
a decrease in net income of $16 million for the Natural Gas reportable segment, as further discussed below; and
-
a decrease in net income of $10 million for Corporate and Other, primarily due to a $27 million after-tax expense associated with increased borrowing costs, $8 million associated with a year-to-date tax benefit associated with the favorable impact of accrued income tax benefits offset in other segments in the first quarter of 2025, partially offset by a $21 million after-tax gain on early extinguishment of debt with proceeds from the divestiture of the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs. See Note 3 and Note 9 for additional detail.
Income Tax Expense. For a discussion of effective tax rate per period, see Note 10 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY’S RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY REPORTABLE SEGMENT
CenterPoint Energy’s CODM views net income as the measure of profit or loss for the reportable segments. Segment results include inter-segment interest income and expense, which may result in inter-segment profit and loss.
The following discussion of CenterPoint Energy’s results of operations is separated into two reportable segments, Electric and Natural Gas.
Electric (CenterPoint Energy)
For information regarding factors that may affect the future results of operations of CenterPoint Energy’s Electric reportable segment, see “Risk Factors — Risk Factors Affecting Operations — Electric Generation, Transmission and Distribution,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Regulatory, Environmental and Legal Risks,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Financial, Economic and Market Risks,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Safety and Security Risks” and “— General and Other Risks” in Part I, Item 1A of the Registrants’ combined 2024 Form 10-K.
The following table provides summary data of CenterPoint Energy’s Electric reportable segment:
| Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | Favorable (Unfavorable) | 2025 | 2024 | Favorable (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except operating statistics) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 1,191 | $ | 1,207 | $ | (16) | $ | 2,257 | $ | 2,256 | $ | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power | 65 | 50 | (15) | 139 | 93 | (46) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operation and maintenance | 523 | 497 | (26) | 1,007 | 972 | (35) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 230 | 237 | 7 | 440 | 463 | 23 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Taxes other than income taxes | 80 | 77 | (3) | 158 | 155 | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | 898 | 861 | (37) | 1,744 | 1,683 | (61) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | 293 | 346 | (53) | 513 | 573 | (60) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Income (Expense): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense and other finance charges | (106) | (97) | (9) | (207) | (188) | (19) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 25 | 13 | 12 | 39 | 29 | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Before Income Taxes | 212 | 262 | (50) | 345 | 414 | (69) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 41 | 47 | 6 | 66 | 78 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income | $ | 171 | $ | 215 | $ | (44) | $ | 279 | $ | 336 | $ | (57) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Throughput (in GWh): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential | 9,588 | 9,450 | 1 | % | 16,231 | 15,412 | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 30,313 | 29,034 | 4 | % | 55,064 | 52,097 | 6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weather (percentage of normal weather for service area): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cooling degree days | 114 | % | 118 | % | (4) | % | 117 | % | 116 | % | 1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Heating degree days | 80 | % | 15 | % | 65 | % | 101 | % | 89 | % | 12 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of metered customers at end of period: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential | 2,663,365 | 2,620,284 | 2 | % | 2,663,365 | 2,620,284 | 2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 2,996,732 | 2,950,593 | 2 | % | 2,996,732 | 2,950,593 | 2 | % |
The following table provides variance explanations for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024 as well as for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024 by major income statement caption for CenterPoint Energy’s Electric reportable segment:
| Favorable (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 vs 2024 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 vs 2024 | |||||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||||
| Revenues | ||||||||||||||
| Transmission Revenues, including TCOS and TCRF, inclusive of costs billed by transmission providers, partially offset in operation and maintenance below | $ | 21 | $ | 11 | ||||||||||
| Customer rates and the impact of the change in rate design | (6) | 10 | ||||||||||||
| Customer growth | 6 | 13 | ||||||||||||
| Cost of fuel and purchased power, offset in utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power below | 13 | 44 | ||||||||||||
| Energy efficiency, and other pass-through, offset in operation and maintenance below | 6 | 3 | ||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous revenues, including service connections and off-system sales | (8) | (16) | ||||||||||||
| Equity return, related to true-up of transition charges for Transition Bond Company IV in 2024 | (10) | (18) | ||||||||||||
| Weather, efficiency improvements and other usage impacts | 6 | 30 | ||||||||||||
| Transition Bond Company IV and SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary, offset in other line items below | (44) | (76) | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | (16) | $ | 1 | ||||||||||
| Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power | ||||||||||||||
| Cost of purchased power, offset in revenues above | $ | (7) | $ | (34) | ||||||||||
| Cost of fuel, including coal, natural gas, and fuel oil, offset in revenues above | (8) | (12) | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | (15) | $ | (46) | ||||||||||
| Operation and maintenance | ||||||||||||||
| Transmission costs billed by transmission providers, offset in revenues above | $ | (9) | $ | (3) | ||||||||||
| Contract services | (24) | (22) | ||||||||||||
| Corporate support services | (2) | (11) | ||||||||||||
| Labor and benefits | — | (1) | ||||||||||||
| Transition Bond Company IV and SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary, offset in other line items | 2 | 3 | ||||||||||||
| Energy efficiency offset in revenues above | (3) | (4) | ||||||||||||
| All other operation and maintenance expense, including materials and supplies and insurance | 10 | 3 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | (26) | $ | (35) | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||||||||
| Ongoing additions to plant-in-service | $ | (20) | $ | (35) | ||||||||||
| Lease expense associated with temporary generation units no longer eligible for regulatory deferral | (15) | (15) | ||||||||||||
| Transition Bond Company IV and SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary, offset in other line items | 42 | 73 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 7 | $ | 23 | ||||||||||
| Taxes other than income taxes | ||||||||||||||
| Incremental capital projects placed in service, and the impact of updated property tax rates | $ | (3) | $ | (3) | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | (3) | $ | (3) | ||||||||||
| Interest expense and other finance charges | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in outstanding debt | $ | (25) | $ | (44) | ||||||||||
| Other, primarily AFUDC and impacts of regulatory deferrals | 15 | 23 | ||||||||||||
| Transition Bond Company IV and SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary, offset in other line items above | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | (9) | $ | (19) | ||||||||||
| Other income, net | ||||||||||||||
| Other income, including AFUDC - Equity | $ | 13 | $ | 12 | ||||||||||
| Transition Bond Company IV and SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary, offset in other line items above | (1) | (2) | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 12 | $ | 10 |
Income Tax Expense. For a discussion of effective tax rate per period by Registrant, see Note 10 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
Natural Gas (CenterPoint Energy)
For information regarding factors that may affect the future results of operations of CenterPoint Energy’s Natural Gas reportable segment, see “Risk Factors — Risk Factors Affecting Operations — Natural Gas,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Regulatory, Environmental and Legal Risks,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Financial, Economic and Market Risks,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Safety and Security Risks” and “— General and Other Risks” in Part I, Item 1A of the Registrants’ combined 2024 Form 10-K.
The following table provides summary data of CenterPoint Energy’s Natural Gas reportable segment:
| Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | Favorable (Unfavorable) | 2025 | 2024 | Favorable (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except operating statistics) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 751 | $ | 695 | $ | 56 | $ | 2,604 | $ | 2,265 | $ | 339 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Utility natural gas and fuel | 236 | 183 | (53) | 1,169 | 927 | (242) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas | 2 | — | (2) | 3 | 1 | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operation and maintenance | 195 | 189 | (6) | 460 | 423 | (37) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 137 | 142 | 5 | 284 | 274 | (10) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Taxes other than income taxes | 56 | 61 | 5 | 130 | 126 | (4) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | 626 | 575 | (51) | 2,046 | 1,751 | (295) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | 125 | 120 | 5 | 558 | 514 | 44 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Income (Expense): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on sale | — | — | — | (43) | — | (43) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense and other finance charges | (43) | (61) | 18 | (102) | (112) | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 15 | 4 | 11 | 17 | 7 | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Before Income Taxes | 97 | 63 | 34 | 430 | 409 | 21 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 11 | 16 | 5 | 116 | 79 | (37) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income | $ | 86 | $ | 47 | $ | 39 | $ | 314 | $ | 330 | $ | (16) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Throughput (in Bcf): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential | 25 | 25 | — | % | 143 | 126 | 13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and Industrial | 86 | 91 | (5) | % | 234 | 229 | 2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 111 | 116 | (4) | % | 377 | 355 | 6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Heating degree days | 88 | % | 64 | % | 24 | % | 97 | % | 80 | % | 17 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of metered customers at end of period: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential | 3,714,672 | 4,022,435 | (8) | % | 3,714,672 | 4,022,435 | (8) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and Industrial | 279,526 | 301,318 | (7) | % | 279,526 | 301,318 | (7) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total (1) | 3,994,198 | 4,323,753 | (8) | % | 3,994,198 | 4,323,753 | (8) | % |
(1)Decrease in number of metered customers is primarily attributable to customer accounts associated with the divestiture of the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs. See Note 3 for additional detail.
The following table provides variance explanations for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024 as well as for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024 by major income statement caption for CenterPoint Energy’s Natural Gas reportable segment:
| Favorable (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 vs 2024 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 vs 2024 | |||||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||||
| Revenues | ||||||||||||||
| Cost of natural gas, offset in utility natural gas and fuel below | $ | 66 | $ | 261 | ||||||||||
| Energy efficiency and other pass-through, offset in operation and maintenance below | — | 17 | ||||||||||||
| Gross receipts tax, offset in taxes other than income taxes below | 3 | 4 | ||||||||||||
| Non-volumetric and miscellaneous revenue | (5) | 1 | ||||||||||||
| Weather and usage | 8 | 17 | ||||||||||||
| Customer growth | 3 | 7 | ||||||||||||
| Non-utility revenues | 2 | 4 | ||||||||||||
| Customer rates and impact of the change in rate design | 32 | 74 | ||||||||||||
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | (53) | (46) | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 56 | $ | 339 | ||||||||||
| Utility natural gas and fuel | ||||||||||||||
| Cost of natural gas, offset in revenues above | $ | (66) | $ | (261) | ||||||||||
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | 13 | 19 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | (53) | $ | (242) | ||||||||||
| Operation and maintenance | ||||||||||||||
| All other operations and maintenance expense, including bad debt expense | $ | (3) | $ | (8) | ||||||||||
| Contract services | (5) | (5) | ||||||||||||
| Labor and benefits | (14) | (18) | ||||||||||||
| Corporate support services | (3) | (4) | ||||||||||||
| Energy efficiency and other pass-through, offset in revenues above | — | (17) | ||||||||||||
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | 19 | 15 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | (6) | $ | (37) | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | — | |||||||||||||
| Ongoing additions to plant-in-service | $ | (8) | $ | (22) | ||||||||||
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | 13 | 12 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 5 | $ | (10) | ||||||||||
| Taxes other than income taxes | ||||||||||||||
| Gross receipts tax, offset in revenues above | $ | (3) | $ | (4) | ||||||||||
| Incremental capital projects placed in service, and the impact of updated property tax rates | 3 | (5) | ||||||||||||
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 5 | $ | (4) | ||||||||||
| Loss on sale | ||||||||||||||
| Loss on sale of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses | $ | — | $ | (43) | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | — | $ | (43) | ||||||||||
| Interest expense and other finance charges | ||||||||||||||
| Other, primarily AFUDC and impacts of regulatory deferrals | $ | 8 | $ | 7 | ||||||||||
| Changes in outstanding debt | 5 | (18) | ||||||||||||
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | 5 | 21 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 18 | $ | 10 | ||||||||||
| Other income, net | ||||||||||||||
| Other income, including AFUDC - Equity | $ | 11 | $ | 33 | ||||||||||
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | — | (23) | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 11 | $ | 10 |
Income Tax Expense. For a discussion of effective tax rate per period by Registrant, see Note 10 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
HOUSTON ELECTRIC CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Houston Electric’s CODM views net income as the measure of profit or loss for its single reportable segment. Houston Electric’s results of operations are affected by seasonal fluctuations in the demand for electricity. Houston Electric’s results of operations are also affected by, among other things, the actions of various governmental authorities having jurisdiction over rates Houston Electric charges, debt service costs, income tax expense, Houston Electric’s ability to collect receivables from REPs and Houston Electric’s ability to recover its regulatory assets. For more information regarding factors that may affect the future results of operations of Houston Electric’s business, see “Risk Factors — Risk Factors Affecting Operations — Electric Generation, Transmission and Distribution,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Regulatory, Environmental and Legal Risks,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Financial, Economic and Market Risks,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Safety and Security Risks” and “— General and Other Risks” in Part I, Item 1A of the Registrants’ combined 2024 Form 10-K and in Part II, Item 1A of this combined Form 10-Q.
The following table provides summary data of Houston Electric’s single reportable segment:
| Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | Favorable (Unfavorable) | 2025 | 2024 | Favorable (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except operating statistics) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TDU | $ | 1,008 | $ | 1,001 | $ | 7 | $ | 1,892 | $ | 1,869 | $ | 23 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transition Bond Company IV | — | 43 | (43) | — | 76 | (76) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 1,008 | 1,044 | (36) | 1,892 | 1,945 | (53) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operation and maintenance, excluding Transition Bond Company IV | 482 | 453 | (29) | 930 | 890 | (40) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization, excluding Transition Bond Company IV | 196 | 169 | (27) | 375 | 336 | (39) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Taxes other than income taxes | 78 | 75 | (3) | 153 | 150 | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transition Bond Company IV | — | 44 | 44 | — | 76 | 76 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | 756 | 741 | (15) | 1,458 | 1,452 | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | 252 | 303 | (51) | 434 | 493 | (59) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Income (Expense): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense and other finance charges | (90) | (79) | (11) | (176) | (155) | (21) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense on Securitization Bonds | — | (1) | 1 | — | (2) | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 15 | 10 | 5 | 23 | 21 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Before Income Taxes | 177 | 233 | (56) | 281 | 357 | (76) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 36 | 46 | 10 | 56 | 71 | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income | $ | 141 | $ | 187 | $ | (46) | $ | 225 | $ | 286 | $ | (61) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Throughput (in GWh): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential | 9,272 | 9,120 | 2 | % | 15,545 | 14,744 | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 29,109 | 27,826 | 5 | % | 52,913 | 49,831 | 6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cooling degree days | 117 | % | 118 | % | (1) | % | 120 | % | 116 | % | 4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Heating degree days | 110 | % | 15 | % | 95 | % | 92 | % | 92 | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of metered customers at end of period: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential | 2,528,981 | 2,486,881 | 2 | % | 2,528,981 | 2,486,881 | 2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 2,842,718 | 2,797,899 | 2 | % | 2,842,718 | 2,797,899 | 2 | % |
The following table provides variance explanations for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024 as well as for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024 by major income statement caption for Houston Electric:
| Favorable (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 vs 2024 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 vs 2024 | |||||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||||
| Revenues | ||||||||||||||
| Transmission Revenues, including TCOS and TCRF, inclusive of costs billed by transmission providers, partially offset in operation and maintenance below | $ | 21 | $ | 11 | ||||||||||
| Customer rates and the impact of the change in rate design | (22) | (8) | ||||||||||||
| Customer growth | 6 | 11 | ||||||||||||
| Energy efficiency, partially offset in operations and maintenance below | 3 | 4 | ||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous revenues | 3 | 1 | ||||||||||||
| Equity return, related to true-up of transition charges for Transition Bond Company IV in 2024 | (10) | (18) | ||||||||||||
| Weather, efficiency improvements and other usage impacts | 6 | 22 | ||||||||||||
| Transition Bond Company IV, offset in other line items below | (43) | (76) | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | (36) | $ | (53) | ||||||||||
| Operation and maintenance, excluding Transition Bond Company IV | ||||||||||||||
| Transmission costs billed by transmission providers, offset in revenues above | $ | (9) | $ | (3) | ||||||||||
| Contract services | (22) | (22) | ||||||||||||
| All other operation and maintenance expense, including materials and supplies and insurance | 8 | 1 | ||||||||||||
| Corporate support services | (3) | (11) | ||||||||||||
| Energy efficiency, offset in revenues above | (3) | (4) | ||||||||||||
| Labor and benefits | — | (1) | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | (29) | $ | (40) | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization, excluding Transition Bond Company IV | ||||||||||||||
| Ongoing additions to plant-in-service | $ | (12) | $ | (24) | ||||||||||
| Lease expense associated with temporary generation units no longer eligible for regulatory deferral | $ | (15) | $ | (15) | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | (27) | $ | (39) | ||||||||||
| Taxes other than income taxes | ||||||||||||||
| Incremental capital projects placed in service, and the impact of changes to tax rates | $ | (3) | $ | (3) | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | (3) | $ | (3) | ||||||||||
| Transition Bond Company IV expense | ||||||||||||||
| Operations and maintenance and depreciation expense, offset in revenues above | $ | 44 | $ | 76 | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | 44 | $ | 76 | ||||||||||
| Interest expense and other finance charges | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in outstanding debt | $ | (21) | $ | (39) | ||||||||||
| Other, primarily AFUDC and impacts of regulatory deferrals | 10 | 18 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | (11) | $ | (21) | ||||||||||
| Interest expense on Securitization Bonds | ||||||||||||||
| Lower outstanding principal balance, offset in revenues above | $ | 1 | $ | 2 | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1 | $ | 2 | ||||||||||
| Other income, net | ||||||||||||||
| Other income, including AFUDC - Equity | $ | 5 | $ | 2 | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | 5 | $ | 2 | ||||||||||
Income Tax Expense. For a discussion of effective tax rate per period, see Note 10 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
CERC CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CERC’s CODM views net income as the measure of profit or loss for its single reportable segment. CERC’s results of operations are affected by seasonal fluctuations in the demand for natural gas. CERC’s results of operations are also affected by, among other things, the actions of various federal, state and local governmental authorities having jurisdiction over rates CERC charges, debt service costs and income tax expense, CERC’s ability to collect receivables from customers and CERC’s ability to recover its regulatory assets. For more information regarding factors that may affect the future results of operations for CERC’s business, see “Risk Factors — Risk Factors Affecting Operations — Natural Gas,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Regulatory, Environmental and Legal Risks,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Financial, Economic and Market Risks,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Safety and Security Risks” and “— General and Other Risks” in Part I, Item 1A of the Registrants’ combined 2024 Form 10-K.
| Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | Favorable (Unfavorable) | 2025 | 2024 | Favorable (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except operating statistics) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 731 | $ | 679 | $ | 52 | $ | 2,519 | $ | 2,191 | $ | 328 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Utility natural gas | 231 | 182 | (49) | 1,140 | 906 | (234) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas | 2 | — | (2) | 3 | 1 | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operation and maintenance | 187 | 181 | (6) | 443 | 407 | (36) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 131 | 138 | 7 | 273 | 265 | (8) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Taxes other than income taxes | 56 | 61 | 5 | 129 | 125 | (4) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | 607 | 562 | (45) | 1,988 | 1,704 | (284) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | 124 | 117 | 7 | 531 | 487 | 44 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Income (Expense): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale | — | — | — | 52 | — | 52 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense and other finance charges | (39) | (58) | 19 | (95) | (107) | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 12 | 3 | 9 | 14 | 6 | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Before Income Taxes | 97 | 62 | 35 | 502 | 386 | 116 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 11 | 15 | 4 | 111 | 75 | (36) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income | $ | 86 | $ | 47 | $ | 39 | $ | 391 | $ | 311 | $ | 80 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Throughput (in Bcf): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential | 24 | 24 | — | % | 139 | 122 | 14 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and Industrial | 75 | 83 | (10) | % | 211 | 213 | (1) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 99 | 107 | (7) | % | 350 | 335 | 4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Heating degree days | 88 | % | 64 | % | 24 | % | 97 | % | 80 | % | 17 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of metered customers at end of period: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential | 3,609,924 | 3,918,039 | (8) | % | 3,609,924 | 3,918,039 | (8) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and Industrial | 268,904 | 290,758 | (8) | % | 268,904 | 290,758 | (8) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total (1) | 3,878,828 | 4,208,797 | (8) | % | 3,878,828 | 4,208,797 | (8) | % |
(1)Decrease in number of metered customers is primarily attributable to customer accounts associated with the divestiture of the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs. See Note 3 for additional detail.
The following table provides variance explanations for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024 as well as for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024 by major income statement caption for CERC:
| Favorable (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 vs 2024 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 vs 2024 | |||||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||||
| Revenues | ||||||||||||||
| Cost of natural gas, offset in utility natural gas below | $ | 62 | $ | 253 | ||||||||||
| Energy efficiency and other pass-through, offset in operation and maintenance below | — | 17 | ||||||||||||
| Gross receipts tax, offset in taxes other than income taxes below | 2 | 4 | ||||||||||||
| Non-volumetric and miscellaneous revenue | (3) | 2 | ||||||||||||
| Weather and usage | 8 | 16 | ||||||||||||
| Customer growth | 2 | 7 | ||||||||||||
| Non-utility revenues | 2 | 4 | ||||||||||||
| Customer rates | 32 | 71 | ||||||||||||
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | (53) | (46) | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 52 | $ | 328 | ||||||||||
| Utility natural gas | ||||||||||||||
| Cost of natural gas, offset in revenues above | $ | (62) | $ | (253) | ||||||||||
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | 13 | 19 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | (49) | $ | (234) | ||||||||||
| Operation and maintenance | ||||||||||||||
| All other operations and maintenance expense, including bad debt expense | $ | (3) | $ | (7) | ||||||||||
| Contract services | (4) | (6) | ||||||||||||
| Labor and benefits | (15) | (17) | ||||||||||||
| Corporate support services | (3) | (4) | ||||||||||||
| Energy efficiency and other pass-through, offset in revenues above | — | (17) | ||||||||||||
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | 19 | 15 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | (6) | $ | (36) | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||||||||
| Ongoing additions to plant-in-service | $ | (6) | $ | (20) | ||||||||||
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | 13 | 12 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 7 | $ | (8) | ||||||||||
| Taxes other than income taxes | ||||||||||||||
| Gross receipts tax, offset in revenues above | $ | (2) | $ | (4) | ||||||||||
| Incremental capital projects placed in service, and the impact of updated property tax rates | 2 | (5) | ||||||||||||
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 5 | $ | (4) | ||||||||||
| Gain on sale | ||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses | $ | — | $ | 52 | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | — | $ | 52 | ||||||||||
| Interest expense and other finance charges | ||||||||||||||
| Other, primarily AFUDC and impacts of regulatory deferrals | $ | 5 | $ | (16) | ||||||||||
| Changes in outstanding debt | 9 | 7 | ||||||||||||
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | 5 | 21 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 19 | $ | 12 | ||||||||||
| Other income, net | ||||||||||||||
| Other income, including AFUDC - Equity | $ | 9 | $ | 30 | ||||||||||
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | — | (22) | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 9 | $ | 8 |
Income Tax Expense. For a discussion of effective tax rate per period, see Note 10 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
CERTAIN FACTORS AFFECTING FUTURE EARNINGS
For information on other developments, factors and trends that may impact the Registrants’ future earnings, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Certain Factors Affecting Future Earnings” in Item 7 of Part II and “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of the Registrants’ combined 2024 Form 10-K, and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” in this combined Form 10-Q.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes the Registrants’ cash flows by category during the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024:
| Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CenterPoint Energy | Houston Electric | CERC | CenterPoint Energy | Houston Electric | CERC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash provided by (used in): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating activities | $ | 970 | $ | 117 | $ | 1,025 | $ | 1,114 | $ | 350 | $ | 755 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investing activities | (1,341) | (881) | 455 | (1,600) | (852) | (705) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financing activities | 440 | 765 | (1,482) | 459 | 487 | (50) |
Operating Activities. The following items contributed to increased (decreased) net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024:
| CenterPoint Energy | Houston Electric | CERC | |||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| Changes in net income after adjusting for non-cash items | $ | (180) | $ | (93) | $ | (18) | |||||||||||
| Changes in working capital | (269) | (229) | (28) | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in current regulatory assets and liabilities | 154 | (2) | 171 | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in non-current regulatory assets and liabilities | 178 | 94 | (26) | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in non-current assets and liabilities | 78 | (1) | 169 | ||||||||||||||
| Higher pension contribution | (84) | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Other | (21) | (2) | 2 | ||||||||||||||
| $ | (144) | $ | (233) | $ | 270 | ||||||||||||
Investing Activities. The following items contributed to (increased) decreased net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024:
| CenterPoint Energy | Houston Electric | CERC | |||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| Payment for asset acquisition | $ | (357) | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||
| Net change in capital expenditures | (510) | (454) | (6) | ||||||||||||||
| Net change in notes receivable from affiliated companies | — | 417 | 70 | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from divestiture | 1,219 | — | 1,219 | ||||||||||||||
| Other | (93) | 8 | (123) | ||||||||||||||
| $ | 259 | $ | (29) | $ | 1,160 |
Financing Activities. The following items contributed to (increased) decreased net cash provided by (used in) financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024:
| CenterPoint Energy | Houston Electric | CERC | |||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net changes in commercial paper outstanding | $ | 1,679 | $ | — | $ | 77 | |||||||||||
| Net changes in proceeds from issuances of Common Stock | (247) | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Net changes in long-term debt and term loans outstanding, excluding commercial paper | (1,428) | 82 | (820) | ||||||||||||||
| Net changes in debt issuance costs | — | (1) | 3 | ||||||||||||||
| Net changes in short-term borrowings | 1 | — | 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Increased payment of Common Stock dividends | (33) | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Net change in notes payable from affiliated companies | — | 453 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Change in contribution from parent | — | (230) | (290) | ||||||||||||||
| Change in dividend to parent | — | (27) | (404) | ||||||||||||||
| Other | 9 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
| $ | (19) | $ | 278 | $ | (1,432) |
Future Sources and Uses of Cash
The liquidity and capital requirements of the Registrants are affected primarily by results of operations, capital expenditures, storm restoration costs, debt service requirements, tax payments, working capital needs and various regulatory actions. Future capital expenditures (other than expenditures associated with the May 2024 Storm Events) are expected to primarily relate to investment in infrastructure. These capital expenditures are anticipated to enhance reliability and safety, increase resiliency and expand our systems through value-added projects. In addition to dividend payments on CenterPoint Energy’s Common Stock and interest payments on debt, the Registrants’ principal anticipated cash requirements for the remainder of 2025 include the following:
| CenterPoint Energy | Houston Electric | CERC | ||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated capital expenditures (1) | $ | 2,929 | $ | 1,835 | $ | 895 | ||||||||||||||
| Estimated restoration costs associated with May 2024 Storm Events (2) | 28 | 28 | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Scheduled principal payments on Securitization Bonds (3) | 7 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Expected contributions to pension plans and other post-retirement plans | 38 | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
(1)Excludes expenditures for the restoration costs associated with the May 2024 Storm Events.
(2)Represents cash requirements associated with the estimated storm restoration costs for the remainder of 2025.
(3)Excludes potential payments of principal on May 2024 Storm Events System Restoration Bonds.
The Registrants expect that anticipated cash needs for the remainder of 2025 will be met with available cash flow from operations, as well as cash flows from financing (such as incremental bond issuances including securitization, issuances of equity securities upon physical settlement of outstanding forward sale agreements and borrowings under credit facilities, commercial paper issuances or other sources). At this time, CenterPoint Energy does not anticipate the need for further sales of shares of Common Stock under the Equity Distribution Agreement. The issuance of securities in the capital markets and borrowings under additional credit facilities and term loans may not, however, be available on acceptable terms. The Registrants may also, from time to time, redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire their outstanding debt securities through open market purchases, tender offers or pursuant to the terms of such securities.
For more information regarding the May 2024 Storm Events and Hurricane Beryl, see Note 6 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Other than Houston Electric’s general mortgage bonds issued as collateral for tax-exempt long-term debt of CenterPoint Energy as discussed in Note 9 and guarantees as discussed in Note 11(c) to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements, the Registrants have no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Regulatory Matters
Houston Electric TEEEF
For information about Houston Electric’s TEEEF, see Note 6 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
Hurricane Beryl
For additional information about Hurricane Beryl, see Note 6 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
May 2024 Storm Events
For additional information about the May 2024 Storm Events, see Note 6 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
Indiana Electric CPCN (CenterPoint Energy)
BTAs
Indiana Electric has pursued PTCs for solar projects following the passage of the IRA. On February 7, 2023, Indiana Electric filed a CPCN with the IURC to approve an amended BTA to purchase the 191 MW Posey Solar project. Indiana Electric requested that project costs, net of PTCs, be recovered in rate base rather than a levelized rate, through base rates or the CECA mechanism, depending on which provides more timely recovery. On September 6, 2023, the IURC issued an order approving the CPCN. On March 7, 2025, SIGECO completed the acquisition of Posey Solar from Arevon for a purchase price of approximately $357 million. Subsequent to the acquisition, and pursuant to the Posey Solar Merger Agreement, Posey Solar was merged into SIGECO. The Posey Solar project was placed in service in the second quarter of 2025 and is currently being recovered through base rates. In the applicable rate case, the IURC approved Indiana Electric’s request to convey PTCs to customers through the new tax adjustment rider. For further information, see Note 3 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
On January 10, 2023, Indiana Electric filed a CPCN with the IURC to acquire a wind energy generating facility with installed capacity of 200 MWs through a BTA, consistent with its 2019/2020 IRP that calls for up to 300 MWs of wind generation. The wind project is located in the central region of MISO. Indiana Electric received approval from the IURC to recover the costs of the wind facility via the CECA mechanism, which is planned to be placed in service in 2027. On June 6, 2023, the IURC issued an order approving the CPCN, thereby authorizing Indiana Electric to purchase the wind generating facility. However, as of the date of the filing of this combined Form 10-Q, Indiana Electric has not entered into any definitive agreement relating to this wind energy generating facility, and there is a significant possibility that either no definitive agreement will be entered into at all or a definitive agreement will not be entered on the expected timeline.
PPAs
Indiana Electric sought approval in February 2021 for a 100 MW solar PPA with Clenera LLC in Warrick County, Indiana. The request accounted for increased cost of debt related to this PPA, which provides equivalent equity return to offset imputed debt during the 25-year life of the PPA. In October 2021, the IURC approved the Warrick County solar PPA but denied the request to preemptively offset imputed debt in the PPA cost. Due to rising project costs caused by inflation and supply chain issues affecting the energy industry, Clenera LLC and Indiana Electric were compelled to renegotiate terms of the agreement to increase the PPA price. On January 17, 2023, Indiana Electric filed a request with the IURC to amend the previously approved PPA with certain modifications. Revised purchase power costs are requested to be recovered through the fuel adjustment clause proceedings over the term of the amended PPA. On May 30, 2023, the IURC approved the Warrick County solar amended PPA; however, due to MISO interconnection study delays and estimated interconnection cost increases, on April 24, 2025,
Indiana Electric provided notice that it was exercising its right to terminate the PPA, which terminated all further obligations of Indiana Electric with respect to the project.
On August 25, 2021, Indiana Electric filed with the IURC seeking approval to purchase 185 MW of solar power, under a 15-year PPA, from Oriden, which is developing a solar project in Vermillion County, Indiana, and 150 MW of solar power, under a 20-year PPA, from Origis, which is developing a solar project in Knox County, Indiana. On May 4, 2022, the IURC issued an order approving Indiana Electric to enter into both PPAs. In March 2022, when the results of the MISO interconnection study were completed, Origis advised Indiana Electric that the costs to construct the solar project in Knox County, Indiana had increased. The increase was largely driven by escalating commodity and supply chain costs impacting manufacturers worldwide. In August 2022, Indiana Electric and Origis entered into an amended PPA, which reiterated the terms contained in the 2021 PPA with certain modifications. On February 22, 2023, the IURC approved the Knox County solar amended PPA; however, due to MISO interconnection delays, the project in-service date will be delayed from 2024 to 2026. On January 17, 2023, Indiana Electric filed a request with the IURC to amend the previously approved PPA with Oriden with certain modifications. Revised purchase power costs were approved to be recovered through the fuel adjustment clause proceedings over the term of the amended PPA with Oriden. On May 30, 2023, the IURC approved the Vermillion County solar amended PPA; however, due to MISO interconnection study delays, the developer disclosed the project in-service date would be delayed to 2028. On May 9, 2025, Indiana Electric and Oriden terminated the PPA.
On May 1, 2024, Indiana Electric filed with the IURC seeking approval to purchase 147 MW of wind power under a 25-year PPA with an affiliate of NextEra Energy, Inc., which is developing a wind project in Knox County, Illinois. On November 6, 2024, the IURC approved the Knox County wind PPA, which provided for the recovery of the purchase power costs through the fuel adjustment clause proceedings over the term of the PPA. The facility is targeted to be in operation in mid-2026.
On April 14, 2025, Indiana Electric filed with the IURC seeking approval to purchase 170 MW of wind power under a 25-year PPA with an affiliate of NextEra Energy, Inc., which is developing a wind project in Tama County, Iowa. On June 3, 2025, an amendment to the PPA was filed with the IURC requesting an extension of the PPA’s term from 25 to 27 years. The facility is targeted to be in operation by the fourth quarter of 2025. Indiana Electric expects a decision from the IURC in the fourth quarter of 2025. If Indiana Electric’s request is approved, the power purchase costs will be recovered through the fuel adjustment clause proceedings over the term of the PPA.
Natural Gas Combustion Turbines
On June 17, 2021, Indiana Electric filed a CPCN with the IURC seeking approval to construct two natural gas combustion turbines to replace portions of its existing coal-fired generation fleet. On June 28, 2022, the IURC approved the CPCN. The estimated $334 million turbine facility is being constructed at the previous site of the A.B. Brown power plant in Posey County, Indiana and is expected to provide a combined output of 460 MW. Indiana Electric received approval for depreciation expense and post in-service carrying costs to be deferred in a regulatory asset until the date Indiana Electric’s base rates include a return on and recovery of depreciation expense on the facility. A new approximately 23.5-mile pipeline was constructed and is operated by Texas Gas Transmission, LLC to supply natural gas to the turbine facility. FERC granted a certificate to construct the pipeline on October 20, 2022. On January 7, 2025, the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit affirmed the FERC’s order granting the certificate. Indiana Electric granted its contractor a full notice to proceed to construct the turbines on December 9, 2022. In the second quarter of 2025, 230 MW of the facility was placed in service, and, due to a transformer manufacturing issue, it is expected that the remaining 230 MW of the facility will be operational in the third quarter of 2025. On February 6, 2025, the EPC contractor for Indiana Electric’s proposed natural gas combustion turbines provided a notice to Indiana Electric that the EPC contractor was identifying the impacts of the proposed tariffs on the project and intended to seek an equitable adjustment to the contract price for the project. Indiana Electric received approval from the IURC on February 3, 2025, to recover for each combustion turbine by adjusting base rates as they are placed in service. The first turbine is currently being recovered in base rates that were updated on June 17, 2025.
Stewart-West Bay Transmission Project (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric)
On April 30, 2025, Houston Electric filed a CCN application with the PUCT for approval to replace a portion of a 138 kV double circuit transmission line in Galveston County, Texas that connects Houston Electric’s Stewart and West Bay substations. On June 27, 2025, an order was issued dismissing all opposing parties from the proceeding. Houston Electric’s application is expected to be approved in the third quarter of 2025. The project is estimated to cost approximately $105 million, but the actual capital cost of the project will depend on construction costs and other factors. Completion of construction and energization of the line is anticipated to occur in the third quarter of 2027.
Texas Legislation (CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and CERC)
The Registrants are evaluating the effects of certain legislation passed in 2025 and associated PUCT rulemaking projects, including the following pieces of legislation that became law during the 89th Texas Legislature:
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House Bill 4384, effective June 20, 2025, allows LDCs to recover post in-service carry costs (PISCC) in GRIP filings. This allows LDCs to defer for future recovery as a regulatory asset PISCC, depreciation associated with unrecovered gross plant and ad valorem taxes associated with unrecovered gross plant.
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Senate Bill 231, effective June 20, 2025, revises the types of temporary generation units that may be used by a utility to have a maximum generation capacity of not more than 5 MW and be rapidly deployable.
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Senate Bill 1963, effective September 1, 2025, will allow ERCOT utilities to securitize system restoration costs using a third-party government agency, which may allow for the debt to be off balance sheet and an abbreviated proceeding timeline. This bill also lowered the system restoration costs threshold from $100 million to $50 million, provided the effectiveness tests are met.
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Senate Bill 482, effective September 1, 2025, will result in increased penalties for assaulting a utility worker to a third-degree felony, equal to assaulting a first responder, and for harassing a utility worker to a Class A misdemeanor.
Solar Panel Issues (CenterPoint Energy)
CenterPoint Energy’s current and future solar projects have been impacted by delays and/or increased costs. The potential delays and inflationary cost pressures communicated from the developers of our solar projects have been primarily due to (i) unavailability of solar panels and other uncertainties related to DOC antidumping and countervailing duties investigation(s), (ii) the December 2021 Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act on solar modules and other products manufactured in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and (iii) persistent general global supply chain and labor availability issues. On May 15, 2024, based on a petition filed by the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee, the DOC announced the initiation of antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of silicon photovoltaic cells from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. On October 1, 2024, the DOC’s preliminary countervailing duty determination affirmed the petition and established preliminary duty rates. On November 29, 2024, the DOC announced its preliminary affirmative determination in the antidumping investigation and established preliminary dumping rates. On April 21, 2025, the DOC announced its final affirmative determinations in the antidumping and countervailing duty investigations, determining that imports of silicon photovoltaic cells from the aforementioned countries are being dumped into the U.S. market and receiving countervailable subsidies. On May 20, 2025, the ITC announced its final determination that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of silicon photovoltaic cells from Malaysia and Vietnam and a U.S. industry is threatened with material injury by reason of imports of silicon photovoltaic cells from Cambodia and Thailand. As a result of such determinations, the DOC will impose certain duty rates on imports of silicon photovoltaic cells from the aforementioned countries. Furthermore, in 2025, the U.S. government has announced and, in certain cases, rescinded, multiple tariffs on several foreign jurisdictions and imports into the United States. Increased tariffs by the United States have led, and may continue to lead, to the imposition of retaliatory tariffs or other measures taken by foreign jurisdictions, which may in turn lead to additional tariffs imposed or measures taken by the United States. These tariffs, as well as new legislation, tariffs, bans, retaliatory trade measures or related governmental action, have already, and may continue to, further negatively impact the supply of solar panels. In addition to supply reductions, these or similar duties, legislation, tariffs, bans and other measures have and may in the future also put upward pressure on prices of these solar energy products, which may reduce our ability to acquire these items in a timely and cost-efficient manner. These impacts have resulted, and may continue to result in, cost increases for certain projects, and such impacts may require that we seek additional regulatory review and approvals. Additionally, significant changes to project costs and schedules as a result of these factors could impact the viability of the projects. For more information regarding potential delays, cancellations and supply chain disruptions, see “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of the Registrants’ combined 2024 Form 10-K.
Transmission and Distribution System Resiliency Plan (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric)
Following feedback from customers, external experts and other stakeholders, including elected officials and local agencies, Houston Electric filed a revised SRP with the PUCT on January 31, 2025 for review and approval. The filed SRP proposed to invest approximately $5.75 billion over a three-year period from 2026 to 2028 for transmission and distribution infrastructure, information technology and cybersecurity assets and event response capability. This plan proposed 39 resiliency-enhancing measures and a microgrid pilot program to be implemented over the three-year period. The SRP has an estimated capital cost of approximately $5.54 billion and an estimated operations and maintenance expense of approximately $211 million. Approximately $2.17 billion of such cost was for transmission-related investments, and approximately $3.58 billion was for distribution-related investments. Intervenor testimony was filed on April 8, 2025, and PUCT staff testimony was filed on April 15, 2025. On June 12, 2025, Houston Electric announced that it had reached a settlement agreement with parties to its SRP, which provides for approximately $3.18 billion in distribution related investments. The proposed transmission investments were removed from the SRP and will be implemented as appropriate outside of the SRP process. The agreement also includes the deferral of more than $240 million of the approximate $3.18 billion in SRP costs until the second half of 2029, which will help reduce the bill impact for customers by spreading costs over a four-year period instead of three years. Once approved, and while some cost recovery would be deferred into 2029, it is expected that all SRP work agreed upon in the settlement agreement will be completed in the proposed 2025 to 2028 timeframe. A decision from the PUCT is anticipated in the third quarter of 2025.
Rate Change Applications
The Registrants are routinely involved in rate change applications before state regulatory authorities. Those applications include general rate cases, where the entire cost of service of the utility is assessed and reset. In addition, Registrants are periodically involved in proceedings to adjust its capital tracking mechanisms (e.g., CSIA, DCRF, DRR, GRIP, TCOS, ECA, CECA and TDSIC), its decoupling mechanism (e.g., decoupling and SRC), and its energy efficiency cost trackers (e.g., CIP, DSMA, EECRF, EEFC and EEFR).
Minnesota Gas Rate Case. On November 1, 2023, CERC filed an application with the MPUC requesting an adjustment to delivery charges in 2024 and 2025 for the natural gas business in Minnesota. The requested increase is approximately 6.5% or $85 million for 2024 and an additional approximately 3.7% or $52 million for 2025. The need for a rate change is primarily driven by continuing investment in the safety and reliability of the natural gas system, including new Intelis natural gas meters that feature an integrated safety shutoff valve, changes to depreciation rates that better reflect the actual life and salvage characteristics of assets and changes in other costs to serve customers. The request reflects a proposed 10.3% ROE on a 52.5% equity ratio. Interim rates for 2024 of $69 million, subject to refund, were implemented as of January 1, 2024. A request for interim rates of $33 million for 2025 was filed on September 30, 2024, approved at the December 3, 2024 hearing and approved by an order issued December 20, 2024. A unanimous settlement agreement was filed on November 25, 2024. The settlement provided for an increase of $60.8 million for 2024 and an additional $42.7 million for 2025. The parties agreed to an overall cost of capital of 7.07% for 2024 and 2025. The ALJ filed a report on February 13, 2025 recommending that the MPUC approve the settlement agreement. As required by the December 20, 2024 order, the difference between 2024 interim rates and the settled amount of $60.8 million was refunded to customers in March 2025. Exceptions to the ALJ report were filed on April 18, 2025. On May 29, 2025, the MPUC approved the settlement agreement. A final order approving the settlement agreement was issued by the MPUC on June 27, 2025 and final rates are expected to be implemented on September 1, 2025.
Houston Electric Rate Case. On March 6, 2024, Houston Electric filed an application with the PUCT requesting authority to change rates and charges for electric transmission and distribution service. The requested increase was approximately $17 million (1%) for retail customers and $43 million (6.6%) for wholesale transmission service, excluding TCRF and rate case expenses. The need for a rate increase was primarily driven by continuing investment that has been made to support customer growth and to bolster the safety and reliability of Houston Electric’s transmission and distribution system. The request reflected a proposed 10.4% ROE and a 45% equity ratio. Errata testimony was filed to correct minor errors included in the initial filing which reduced the requested increase to $56 million compared to then-current rates. Houston Electric reached a settlement agreement with certain parties and submitted the agreement to the PUCT on January 29, 2025. The settlement reflects a $47 million reduction in annual revenues and a 9.65% ROE and a weighted average cost of capital of 6.606% based upon an as-filed 4.29% cost of debt, an agreed ROE of 9.65% and an agreed regulatory capital structure of 56.75% long-term debt and 43.25% equity. A final order approving the settlement agreement was issued by the PUCT on March 13, 2025. Final retail delivery rates were implemented on April 28, 2025. Final wholesale transmission rates were superseded by interim TCOS rates that went into effect on the same date.
Ohio Gas Rate Case. CEOH filed its Application and Standard Filing Requirement in October 2024 and the related testimony in November 2024. The filing seeks a revenue requirement increase of approximately $100 million based on a requested return on equity of 10.4% and an equity percentage of 54.13%. The need for a rate increase was primarily driven by continuing investment in the safety and reliability of the natural gas system. On May 16, 2025, the PUCO staff filed its staff
report recommending a revenue requirement range of $340.8 million to $350.3 million and a net increase of $25.1 million to $34.6 million based on an ROE range from 9.05% to 10.07% with a capitalization ratio of 52.3% common equity and 47.7% long-term debt. The PUCO staff recommendation includes amortization over 49 years and 65 years for CEP and DRR assets, respectively, compared to CEOH’s proposal to amortize over seven years. On June 16, 2025, CEOH filed objections to the PUCO staff report and supplemental testimony. On July 11, 2025, CEOH filed a stipulation and recommendation that outlined the agreed upon terms between CEOH, the Federal Executive Agencies, Ohio Energy Group, the City of Dayton, the Retail Energy Supply Association, Interstate Gas Supply, LLC and the PUCO staff. One intervening party to the case, Spire Marketing, Inc., is a non-opposing party, while another intervening party to the case, the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, did not sign onto, and has indicated that it plans to oppose, the stipulation and recommendation. The stipulation and recommendation included a revenue requirement of $371.3 million, which would result in a revenue requirement increase of $59.6 million based on a rate of return of 7.1% comprised of a ROE of 9.85% with a capitalization ratio of 52.9% common equity, 47.1% long-term debt at a cost of debt of 4.02%. The stipulation and recommendation amortization periods for CEP and DRR assets within base rates and within the rider mechanisms is 15 years. The stipulation and recommendation included an extension of the CEP rider and DRR through 2029 investment with revised residential caps for dollars per month per customer ranging from $2.75 for 2025 investment to $9.95 for 2029 investment for the CEP rider, and from $2.56 for 2025 investment to $7.69 for 2029 investment for DRR. The evidentiary hearing commenced on July 21, 2025 and is scheduled to continue until early August. A final order is expected no sooner than the first quarter of 2026.
The table below reflects significant applications pending or completed since the Registrants’ combined 2024 Form 10-K was filed with the SEC through the date of the filing of this combined Form 10-Q:
| Mechanism | Annual Increase (Decrease) (1) (in millions) | Filing Date | Effective Date | Approval Date | Additional Information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric (PUCT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rate Case | $ | (47) | March 2024 | April 2025 | March 2025 | See discussion above under Houston Electric Rate Case. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TCOS | $ | 64 | February 2025 | April 2025 | April 2025 | Based on the net change in invested capital since its last base rate proceeding of approximately $614 million for the period January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DCRF | $ | 123 | February 2025 | July 2025 | June 2025 | Based on the net change in distribution invested capital since its last base rate proceeding of approximately $1 billion for the period January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024, for an incremental revenue increase of $123 million adjusted for load growth. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TEEEF | $ | (24) | April 2025 | TBD | TBD | Seeks approval of: (1) a proposal to release Houston Electric’s 15 large 32 MW TEEEF units to ERCOT and CPS Energy beginning on or around May 1, 2025 to address a potential shortfall and Load Shed risk and provide support to the San Antonio region; (2) a corresponding reduction to the capacity of the Houston Electric TEEEF fleet; and (3) a reduction and update to Houston Electric’s rider TEEEF rate to reflect the removal of the 15 large 32 MW TEEEF units from Houston Electric’s TEEEF fleet. Houston Electric will make no revenue or profit from ERCOT for the time period when the 15 large 32 MW TEEEF units are in the San Antonio area being dispatched by ERCOT. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TEEEF | N/A | May 2025 | TBD | TBD | Seeks authorization to lease additional small, 200-kilowatt to 1,250-kilowatt TEEEF units in accordance with the TEEEF Rule. Among other things, the TEEEF Rule requires that a utility obtain preapproval prior to entering into any lease renewal or new leases for TEEEF units. Approval of Houston Electric’s request in this filing will have no cost impact on customers at this time, as cost determination will occur in a future proceeding. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EECRF | $ | 33 | May 2025 | March 2026 | TBD | Requests $96 million, which is comprised primarily of the following: 2026 program costs of $50 million; $5 million related to the under-recovery of 2024 program costs; the 2024 earned bonus of $40 million; and 2026 projected evaluation, measurement and verification costs of $0.6 million. The PUCT staff is scheduled to file testimony on or before September 17, 2025. Rebuttal testimony, if needed, is due on October 1, 2025. A hearing on the merits is scheduled for October 9, 2025. On October 3, 2024, the PUCT staff petitioned (Docket No. 57271) to establish a secondary cap on utilities’ 2024 Program Year (PY) earned performance bonuses equal to 25% of utilities total expenditures for PY 2024. If Docket No. 57172 is approved by the PUCT, applying the secondary cap would result in an estimated $19 million reduction to Houston Electric’s initial EECRF request, reducing the requested $40 million bonus to $21 million. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Beaumont/East Texas, South Texas, Houston and Texas Coast (Railroad Commission) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax Act Rider | $ | 15 | August 2024 | June 2025 | May 2025 | Resulting from the Texas Gas Rate Case, the first Tax Act Rider Calculation was filed on August 1, 2024 pursuant to Docket No. OS-23-00015513 to recover the effects of the IRA and certain other tax-related costs for rates that became effective January 1, 2025. These effects include the return on the CAMT deferred tax asset (“DTA”) resulting from the IRA, income tax credits resulting from the IRA, and the return on the increment or decrement in the net operating loss DTA included in the rate base and in the standard service base revenue requirement approved in the Texas Gas Rate Case. CERC believes its filing is consistent with the Tax Act Rider tariff approved in Docket No. OS-23-00015513. On October 1, 2024, certain parties filed comments disputing the application. Briefings were filed with an ALJ in November 2024. A hearing on the merits was held on February 21, 2025 and continued on March 21, 2025. On March 21, 2025, a unanimous settlement agreement was filed. On April 11, 2025, a PFD was issued. The Railroad Commission considered the PFD at the May 13, 2025 open meeting and issued a Final Order approving the settlement agreement. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GRIP | $ | 70 | February 2025 | June 2025 | May 2025 | Based on net change in invested capital of $445 million. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Minnesota (MPUC) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rate Case | $ | 104 | November 2023 | September 2025 | July 2025 | See discussion above under Minnesota Gas Rate Case. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mechanism | Annual Increase (Decrease) (1) (in millions) | Filing Date | Effective Date | Approval Date | Additional Information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CenterPoint Energy - Indiana South - Gas (IURC) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CSIA | $ | 2 | April 2025 | TBD | TBD | Requested an increase of $11.6 million to rate base, which reflects an approximately $1.5 million annual increase in current revenues, of which 80% is included in the mechanism and 20% is deferred until the next rate case. The mechanism also includes a change in (over)/under recovery variance of $1.9 million. The OUCC filed testimony on June 3, 2025, recommending minor changes. Indiana South filed a rebuttal on June 17, 2025, adopting the changes. The evidentiary hearing was held on June 30, 2025. A final order is expected by the end of July 2025. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Indiana North - Gas (IURC) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CSIA | $ | 9 | April 2025 | TBD | TBD | Requested an increase of $94.9 million to rate base, which reflects an approximately $8.6 million annual increase in current revenues, of which 80% is included in the mechanism and 20% is deferred until the next rate case. The mechanism also includes a change in (over)/under recovery variance of $5 million. The OUCC filed testimony on June 3, 2025. Indiana North filed rebuttal testimony on June 17, 2025. The evidentiary hearing was held on June 30, 2025. A final order is expected by the end of July 2025. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Ohio - Gas (PUCO) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DRR | $ | 6 | May 2025 | TBD | TBD | Requested an increase of $54 million to rate base for investments made in 2024, which reflects a $6 million annual increase in current revenues. A change in (over)/under-recovery variance of ($0.03) million annually is also included in rates. PUCO staff and intervenor (Ohio Consumers’ Counsel) filed comments June 27, 2025. PUCO staff recommended approval. Ohio Consumers’ Counsel commented on affordability and provided potential solutions including stretching out the replacement program over a longer period of time, phasing in the annual increase, shifting from fixed charges to volumetric charges, and increasing funding for its bill assistance programs. A statement informing the PUCO of whether the issues raised in comments have been resolved was filed July 11, 2025. Supplemental Testimony from CEOH and the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel was filed July 22, 2025. A hearing is scheduled for July 29, 2025. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rate Case | $ | 100 | October 2024 | TBD | TBD | See discussion above under Ohio Gas Rate Case. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Represents proposed increases (decreases) when effective date and/or approval date is not yet determined. Approved rates could differ materially from proposed rates.
Tariffs
In 2025, the U.S. government has announced and, in certain cases, rescinded, multiple tariffs on several foreign jurisdictions and imports into the United States. For example, in March 2025, the U.S. government imposed a 25% tariff on steel imports, and in April 2025, the U.S. government announced a baseline tariff of 10% on products imported from all countries and an additional individualized reciprocal tariff on the countries with which the United States has the largest trade deficits, including China. Increased tariffs by the United States have led, and may continue to lead, to the imposition of retaliatory tariffs or other measures taken by foreign jurisdictions, which may in turn lead to additional tariffs imposed or measures taken by the United States. Additionally, the announcement and rescission of tariffs on foreign jurisdictions has increased uncertainty regarding the ultimate effect of the tariffs on economic conditions. Current uncertainties about tariffs and their effects on trading relationships may affect the Registrants’ ability to access the capital markets, contribute to inflation in the markets in which the Registrants operate, increase commodity cost volatility, impact availability of goods and materials or otherwise negatively impact the global supply chain. The Registrants are continuing to monitor the economic effects of such announcements and developments, as well as the Registrants’ ability to mitigate their related impacts, but costs and other effects associated with the tariffs remain uncertain.
Greenhouse Gas and Climate-Related Regulation and Compliance (CenterPoint Energy)
There has been increasing attention at the local, state and international levels to the issue of climate risk. There has been a recent shift, however, in climate policy at the federal level in the United States. On June 11, 2025, the EPA proposed to repeal all GHG emissions standards for the power sector under Section 111 of the Clean Air Act. As an alternative, the EPA proposed to repeal a narrower set of requirements, including the emission guidelines for existing fossil fuel-fired steam electric generating units and the carbon capture and sequestration/storage-based standards for new base load stationary combustion turbines.
On March 6, 2024, the SEC adopted final rules that require the Registrants to disclose certain climate-related information in registration statements and annual reports. Litigation challenging the rules was filed by multiple parties in multiple
jurisdictions, which was consolidated and assigned to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. On April 4, 2024, the SEC announced it was voluntarily delaying the implementation of the climate disclosure rules while the U.S. Court of Appeals considered the litigation, and on March 27, 2025, the SEC voted to end the defense of the rules in the litigation. On April 4, 2025, a group of 18 intervenor-respondent states and the District of Columbia moved to hold the cases in abeyance until the SEC amends or rescinds the regulations, which motion was granted by the U.S. Court of Appeals in an order issued on April 24, 2025. Further, the U.S. Court of Appeals directed the SEC to file a status report within 90 days (by July 23, 2025) advising the court whether the SEC intends to review or reconsider the rules at issue in the case.
Climate Risk Trends and Uncertainties
Changes in the U.S. presidential administration and significant expected increases in electric demand, as announced by organizations such as ERCOT and MISO, have shifted the energy landscape in the United States. Since taking office, President Trump has issued a series of executive orders and presidential memoranda that seek to increase investment in fossil fuel infrastructure, including by directing all heads of federal agencies to identify and begin the processes to suspend, revise or rescind all agency actions that are determined to be unduly burdensome on the identification, development or use of domestic energy resources, with particular attention to oil, natural gas, hydropower, biofuels, critical mineral and nuclear energy resources. Additionally, on July 4, 2025, the OBBBA was signed into law, which includes numerous changes to the energy tax credits initially introduced and expanded under the IRA, including accelerated phase outs for certain credits. Further, on July 7, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14315, which relates to the implementation of such changes to energy tax credits. This shift in federal domestic energy policy has resulted in uncertainty with respect to the scope and speed of future renewable generation infrastructure development and the role that existing renewable generation will play in support of the U.S. energy grid. The long-term impacts of this domestic energy policy shift are uncertain, including with respect to impacts on the development of, and consequently the availability of, alternative energy sources (such as solar energy, including private solar, wind energy, microturbines, fuel cells, energy-efficient buildings and energy storage devices). Additionally, it is unclear whether, and if so how, the new domestic energy policy, including the potential suspension, revision or rescission of regulations restricting emissions (including methane emissions), will affect consumers’ and companies’ energy use, adoption of alternative energy sources or decisions to expand their facilities, including natural gas facilities.
Other Matters
Credit Facilities
The Registrants may draw on their respective revolving credit facilities from time to time to provide funds used for general corporate and limited liability company purposes, including to backstop CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s commercial paper programs. The facilities may also be utilized to obtain letters of credit. For further details related to the Registrants’ revolving credit facilities, see Note 9 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
Based on the consolidated debt to capitalization covenant in the Registrants’ revolving credit facilities, the Registrants would have been permitted to utilize the full capacity of such revolving credit facilities, which aggregated approximately $4.0 billion as of June 30, 2025. As of July 21, 2025, the Registrants had the following revolving credit facilities and utilization of such facilities:
| Amount Utilized as of July 21, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Registrant | Size of Facility | Loans | Letters of Credit | Commercial Paper | Weighted Average Interest Rate | Termination Date | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CenterPoint Energy | $ | 2,400 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,751 | 4.58% | December 6, 2028 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CenterPoint Energy (1) | 250 | — | — | — | —% | December 6, 2028 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Houston Electric | 300 | — | — | — | —% | December 6, 2028 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CERC | 1,050 | — | — | 187 | 4.50% | December 6, 2028 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 4,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,938 |
(1)This credit facility was issued by SIGECO.
The Registrants and SIGECO are currently in compliance with the various business and financial covenants in the four revolving credit facilities.
Debt Transactions
For detailed information about the Registrants’ debt transactions to date in 2025, see Note 9 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
Securities Registered with the SEC
On May 17, 2023, the Registrants filed a joint shelf registration statement with the SEC registering indeterminate principal amounts of Houston Electric’s general mortgage bonds, CERC Corp.’s senior debt securities and CenterPoint Energy’s senior debt securities and junior subordinated debt securities and an indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock, shares of preferred stock, depositary shares, as well as stock purchase contracts and equity units. The joint shelf registration statement will expire on May 17, 2026. For information related to the Registrants’ debt issuances in 2025, see Note 9 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
Additionally, for information related to shares of Common Stock sold pursuant to the forward sale agreements and the Equity Distribution Agreement in 2025, see Note 15 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
Temporary Investments
As of July 21, 2025, the Registrants had no temporary investments.
Money Pool
The Registrants participate in a money pool through which they and certain of their subsidiaries can borrow or invest on a short-term basis. Funding needs are aggregated and external borrowing or investing is based on the net cash position. The net funding requirements of the CenterPoint Energy money pool are expected to be met with borrowings under CenterPoint Energy’s revolving credit facility or the sale of CenterPoint Energy’s commercial paper.
The table below summarizes CenterPoint Energy money pool activity by Registrant as of July 21, 2025:
| Weighted Average Interest Rate | Houston Electric | CERC | |||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| Money pool borrowings | 4.63% | $ | 396 | $ | — |
Impact on Liquidity of a Downgrade in Credit Ratings
The interest rate on borrowings under the credit facilities is based on each respective borrower’s credit ratings. As of July 21, 2025, Moody’s, S&P and Fitch had assigned the following credit ratings to the borrowers:
| Moody’s | S&P | Fitch | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Registrant | Borrower/Instrument | Rating | Outlook (1) | Rating | Outlook (2) | Rating | Outlook (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CenterPoint Energy | CenterPoint Energy Senior Unsecured Debt | Baa2 | Negative | BBB | Negative | BBB | Stable | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CenterPoint Energy | Vectren Corp. Issuer Rating | n/a | n/a | BBB+ | Negative | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CenterPoint Energy | SIGECO Senior Secured Debt | A1 | Stable | A | Negative | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Houston Electric | Houston Electric Senior Secured Debt | A2 | Negative | A | Negative | A | Negative | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CERC | CERC Corp. Senior Unsecured Debt | A3 | Stable | BBB+ | Negative | A- | Stable | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CERC | Indiana Gas Senior Unsecured Debt | n/a | n/a | BBB+ | Negative | n/a | n/a |
(1)A Moody’s rating outlook is an opinion regarding the likely direction of an issuer’s rating over the medium term.
(2)An S&P outlook assesses the potential direction of a long-term credit rating over the intermediate to longer term.
(3)A Fitch rating outlook indicates the direction a rating is likely to move over a one- to two-year period.
The Registrants cannot assure that the ratings set forth above will remain in effect for any given period of time or that one or more of these ratings will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency. The Registrants note that these credit ratings are included for informational purposes and are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold the Registrants’ securities and may be revised or withdrawn at any time by the rating agency. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other
rating. Any future reduction or withdrawal of one or more of the Registrants’ credit ratings could have a material adverse impact on the Registrants’ ability to obtain short- and long-term financing, the cost of such financings and the execution of the Registrants’ commercial strategies.
A decline in credit ratings could increase borrowing costs under the Registrants’ revolving credit facilities. If the Registrants’ credit ratings had been downgraded one notch by S&P and Moody’s from the ratings that existed as of June 30, 2025, the impact on the borrowing costs under the four revolving credit facilities would have been insignificant. A decline in credit ratings would also increase the interest rate on long-term debt to be issued in the capital markets and could negatively impact the Registrants’ ability to complete capital market transactions and to access the commercial paper market. Additionally, a decline in credit ratings could increase cash collateral requirements and reduce earnings of CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas reportable segments.
Pipeline tariffs and contracts typically provide that if the credit ratings of a shipper or the shipper’s guarantor drop below a threshold level, which is generally investment grade ratings from both Moody’s and S&P, cash or other collateral may be demanded from the shipper in an amount equal to the sum of three months’ charges for pipeline services plus the unrecouped cost of any lateral built for such shipper. If the credit ratings of CERC Corp. decline below the applicable threshold levels, CERC might need to provide cash or other collateral of up to $289 million as of June 30, 2025. The amount of collateral will depend on seasonal variations in transportation levels.
ZENS and Securities Related to ZENS (CenterPoint Energy)
If CenterPoint Energy’s creditworthiness were to drop such that ZENS holders thought CenterPoint Energy’s liquidity was adversely affected or the market for the ZENS were to become illiquid, some ZENS holders might decide to exchange their ZENS for cash. Funds for the payment of cash upon exchange could be obtained from the sale of the shares of ZENS-Related Securities that CenterPoint Energy owns or from other sources. CenterPoint Energy owns shares of ZENS-Related Securities equal to approximately 100% of the reference shares used to calculate its obligation to the holders of the ZENS. ZENS exchanges result in a cash outflow because tax deferrals related to the ZENS and shares of ZENS-Related Securities would typically cease when ZENS are exchanged or otherwise retired and shares of ZENS-Related Securities are sold. The ultimate tax liability related to the ZENS and ZENS-Related Securities continues to increase by the amount of the tax benefit realized each year, and there could be a significant cash outflow when the taxes are paid as a result of the retirement or exchange of the ZENS. If all ZENS had been exchanged for cash on June 30, 2025, deferred taxes of approximately $819 million would have been payable in 2025. If all the ZENS-Related Securities had been sold on June 30, 2025, capital gains taxes of approximately $108 million would have been payable in 2025 based on 2025 tax rates in effect. For additional information about ZENS, see Note 8 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
Cross Defaults
Under the Registrants’ respective revolving credit facilities, a payment default on, or a non-payment default, event or condition that permits acceleration of, any indebtedness for borrowed money and certain other specified types of obligations (including guarantees) exceeding $125 million by the borrower or any of their respective significant subsidiaries will cause a default under such borrower’s respective credit facility or term loan agreement. Under SIGECO’s revolving credit facility, a payment default on, or a non-payment default, event or condition that permits acceleration of, any indebtedness for borrowed money and certain other specific types of obligations (including guarantees) exceeding $75 million by SIGECO or any of its significant subsidiaries will cause a default under SIGECO’s credit facility. A default by CenterPoint Energy would not trigger a default under its subsidiaries’ debt instruments or revolving credit facilities.
Possible Acquisitions, Divestitures and Joint Ventures
From time to time, the Registrants consider the acquisition or the disposition of assets or businesses or possible joint ventures, strategic initiatives or other joint ownership arrangements with respect to assets or businesses. Any determination to take action in this regard will be based on market conditions and opportunities existing at the time, and accordingly, the timing, size or success of any efforts and the associated potential capital commitments are unpredictable. The Registrants may seek to fund all or part of any such efforts with proceeds from debt and/or equity issuances. Debt or equity financing may not, however, be available to the Registrants at that time due to a variety of events, including, among others, maintenance of our credit ratings, industry conditions, general economic conditions, market conditions and market perceptions. CenterPoint Energy has increased its planned capital expenditures in its Electric and Natural Gas businesses multiple times over the recent years to support rate base growth and may continue to do so in the future. The Registrants may continue to explore asset sales as a means to efficiently finance a portion of its increased capital expenditures in the future, subject to the considerations listed above. For further information, see Note 3 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
On February 19, 2024, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., entered into the LAMS Asset Purchase Agreement to sell its Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses for approximately $1.2 billion, subject to adjustment as set forth in the LAMS Asset Purchase Agreement, including adjustments based on net working capital, regulatory assets and liabilities and capital expenditures at closing. The transaction closed on March 31, 2025. On March 7, 2025, SIGECO acquired 100% of the equity interests in Posey Solar, which was constructing a 191 MW solar array in Posey County, Indiana, for approximately $357 million. For further information, see Note 3 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements. In May 2025, CenterPoint Energy announced that it is planning to sell its Ohio natural gas LDC business to support the efficient recycling of capital and portfolio optimization.
Collection of Receivables from REPs (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric)
Houston Electric’s receivables from the distribution of electricity are collected from REPs that supply the electricity Houston Electric distributes to their customers. Before conducting business, a REP must register with the PUCT and must meet certain financial qualifications. Nevertheless, adverse economic conditions, weather events such as the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, structural problems in the market served by ERCOT or financial difficulties of one or more REPs could impair the ability of these REPs to pay for Houston Electric’s services or could cause them to delay such payments. Houston Electric depends on these REPs to remit payments on a timely basis, and any delay or default in payment by REPs could adversely affect Houston Electric’s cash flows. In the event of a REP default, Houston Electric’s tariff provides a number of remedies, including the option for Houston Electric to request that the PUCT suspend or revoke the certification of the REP. Applicable regulatory provisions require that customers be shifted to another REP or a provider of last resort if a REP cannot make timely payments. However, Houston Electric remains at risk for payments related to services provided prior to the shift to the replacement REP or the provider of last resort. If a REP were unable to meet its obligations, it could consider, among various options, restructuring under the bankruptcy laws, in which event such REP might seek to avoid honoring its obligations and claims might be made against Houston Electric involving payments it had received from such REP. If a REP were to file for bankruptcy, Houston Electric may not be successful in recovering accrued receivables owed by such REP that are unpaid as of the date the REP filed for bankruptcy. However, PUCT regulations authorize utilities, such as Houston Electric, to defer bad debts resulting from defaults by REPs for recovery in future rate cases, subject to a review of reasonableness and necessity.
Other Factors that Could Affect Cash Requirements
In addition to the above factors, the Registrants’ liquidity and capital resources could also be negatively affected by:
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cash collateral requirements that could exist in connection with certain contracts, including weather hedging arrangements, and natural gas purchases, natural gas price and natural gas storage activities of CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas reportable segment;
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acceleration of payment dates on certain gas supply contracts, under certain circumstances, as a result of increased natural gas prices, and concentration of natural gas suppliers (CenterPoint Energy and CERC);
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increased costs related to the acquisition of natural gas (CenterPoint Energy and CERC);
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increased costs of certain goods, materials or services due to tariffs or trade restrictions imposed by the U.S. government, the imposition of retaliatory tariffs or other measures, and any effect on trading relationships between the United States and other countries;
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increases in interest expense in connection with debt refinancings and borrowings under credit facilities or term loans or the use of alternative sources of financings, including financings due to the May 2024 Storm Events and Hurricane Beryl;
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various legislative, executive or regulatory actions at the federal, state and local levels, including actions in response to the May 2024 Storm Events and Hurricane Beryl and actions pertaining to trade (including tariffs, bans, retaliatory trade measures taken against the United States or related governmental action);
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incremental collateral, if any, that may be required due to regulation of derivatives (CenterPoint Energy);
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the ability of REPs, including REP affiliates of NRG and Vistra Energy Corp., to satisfy their obligations to CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric;
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slower customer payments and increased write-offs of receivables due to higher natural gas prices, changing economic conditions, public health threats or severe weather events, such as the May 2024 Storm Events and Hurricane Beryl (CenterPoint Energy and CERC);
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the satisfaction of any obligations pursuant to guarantees;
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the outcome of litigation, including litigation related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event and Hurricane Beryl;
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contributions to pension and postretirement benefit plans;
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recovery of any losses under applicable insurance policies;
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restoration costs and revenue losses resulting from future natural disasters such as hurricanes or other severe weather events and the timing of and amounts sought for recovery of such restoration costs; and
- various other risks identified in “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of the Registrants’ combined 2024 Form 10-K, which are incorporated herein by reference, in Part II, Item 1A of this combined Form 10-Q, and in other reports that the Registrants file from time to time with the SEC.
Certain Contractual Limits on Our Ability to Issue Securities and Borrow Money
Certain provisions in certain note purchase agreements relating to debt issued by CERC have the effect of restricting the amount of secured debt issued by CERC and debt issued by subsidiaries of CERC Corp. Additionally, Houston Electric and SIGECO are limited in the amount of mortgage bonds they can issue by the General Mortgage and SIGECO’s mortgage indenture, respectively. For information about the total debt to capitalization financial covenants in the Registrants’ and SIGECO’s revolving credit facilities, see Note 9 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
A critical accounting policy is one that is both important to the presentation of the Registrants’ financial condition and results of operations and requires management to make difficult, subjective or complex accounting estimates. An accounting estimate is an approximation made by management of a financial statement element, item or account in the financial statements. Accounting estimates in the Registrants’ historical consolidated financial statements measure the effects of past business transactions or events, or the present status of an asset or liability. Additionally, different estimates that the Registrants could have used or changes in an accounting estimate that are reasonably likely to occur could have a material impact on the presentation of their financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The circumstances that make these judgments difficult, subjective and/or complex have to do with the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Estimates and assumptions about future events and their effects cannot be predicted with certainty. The Registrants base their estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that they believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments. These estimates may change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional information is obtained and as the Registrants’ operating environment changes. Our critical accounting policies that we deemed the most material in nature were reported in our combined 2024 Form 10-K. There has been no material changes with regard to these critical accounting policies.
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