# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001130310
**File Stem:** 0001130310-26-000008
**Filing Date:** 2026-2
**Character Count:** 1242080
**Document Hash:** d9e5e2d3946dcf8857102e342bb70588
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001130310-26-000008.hdr.sgml**: 20260219

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001130310-26-000008

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 10-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 239

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20251231

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260219

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260219

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** CENTERPOINT ENERGY INC
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001130310
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 01 Energy & Transportation
- **EIN:** 740694415
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** TX
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 10-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-31447
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26651398

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 1111 LOUISIANA ST.
- **CITY:** HOUSTON
- **STATE:** TX
- **ZIP:** 77002
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 7132073000

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 1111 LOUISIANA ST.
- **CITY:** HOUSTON
- **STATE:** TX
- **ZIP:** 77002

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** RELIANT ENERGY REGCO INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20001220
**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC LLC
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000048732
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 01 Energy & Transportation
- **EIN:** 223865106
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** TX
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 10-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-03187
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26651400

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 1111 LOUISIANA
- **CITY:** HOUSTON
- **STATE:** TX
- **ZIP:** 77002
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 7132073000

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 1111 LOUISIANA
- **CITY:** HOUSTON
- **STATE:** TX
- **ZIP:** 77002

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** RELIANT ENERGY INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19990513

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** HOUSTON INDUSTRIES INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19970807

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** HOUSTON LIGHTING & POWER CO
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19920703
**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001042773
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** NATURAL GAS TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION [4923]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 01 Energy & Transportation
- **EIN:** 760511406
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** TX
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 10-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-13265
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26651399

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 1111 LOUISIANA ST
- **CITY:** HOUSTON
- **STATE:** TX
- **ZIP:** 77002
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 713-207-3000

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 1111 LOUISIANA ST
- **CITY:** HOUSTON
- **STATE:** TX
- **ZIP:** 77002

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** RELIANT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19990317

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** NORAM ENERGY CORP/
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19970808

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** HI MERGER INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19970721

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? cnp-20251231

**UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

______________________

**Form 10-K** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **(Mark One)** | **(Mark One)** |
| ☑ | **ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934** |
|  | **FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2025** |
| **OR** | **OR** |
| ☐ | **TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934** |
|  | **FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM <u>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</u> TO <u>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</u>**  |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Registrant, State or Other Jurisdiction<br> of Incorporation or Organization** | **Registrant, State or Other Jurisdiction<br> of Incorporation or Organization** | **Registrant, State or Other Jurisdiction<br> of Incorporation or Organization** | |
|<br>**Commission file number** | **Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code<br> and Telephone Number** | **Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code<br> and Telephone Number** | **Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code<br> and Telephone Number** |<br>**I.R.S. Employer Identification No.** |
| **1-31447** | **CenterPoint Energy, Inc.** | **CenterPoint Energy, Inc.** | **CenterPoint Energy, Inc.** | **74-0694415** |
| | **(a Texas corporation)** | **(a Texas corporation)** | **(a Texas corporation)** | |
| | **1111 Louisiana** | **1111 Louisiana** | **1111 Louisiana** | |
|  | **Houston,** | **Texas** | **77002** |  |
|  | **(713)** | **207-1111** |  |  |
| **1-3187** | **CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC** | **CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC** | **CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC** | **22-3865106** |
|  | **(a Texas limited liability company)** | **(a Texas limited liability company)** | **(a Texas limited liability company)** |  |
|  | **1111 Louisiana** | **1111 Louisiana** | **1111 Louisiana** |  |
|  | **Houston,** | **Texas** | **77002** |  |
|  | **(713)** | **207-1111** |  |  |
| **1-13265** | **CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.** | **CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.** | **CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.** | **76-0511406** |
|  | **(a Delaware corporation)** | **(a Delaware corporation)** | **(a Delaware corporation)** |  |
|  | **1111 Louisiana** | **1111 Louisiana** | **1111 Louisiana** |  |
|  | **Houston,** | **Texas** | **77002** |  |
|  | **(713)** | **207-1111** |  |  |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:** | **Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:** | **Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:** | **Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:** |
| **<u>Registrant</u>** | **<u>Title of each class</u>** | **<u>Trading symbol(s)</u>** | **<u>Name of each exchange on which registered</u>** |
| CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | Common Stock, $0.01 par value | CNP | New York Stock Exchange |
|  |  |  | NYSE Texas |
| CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC | 6.95% General Mortgage Bonds due 2033 | n/a | New York Stock Exchange |
| CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. | 6.625% Senior Notes due 2037 | n/a | New York Stock Exchange |
| **Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:** | **Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:** | **Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:** | **Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:** |

---

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | Yes | 🗹 | No □ |
| CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC | Yes | 🗹 | No □ |
| CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. | Yes | 🗹 | No □ |

---

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | Yes □ | No | 🗹 |
| CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC | Yes □ | No | 🗹 |
| CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. | Yes □ | No | 🗹 |

---

------

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | Yes | 🗹 | No □ |
| CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC | Yes | 🗹 | No □ |
| CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. | Yes | 🗹 | No □ |

---

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | Yes | 🗹 | No □ |
| CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC | Yes | 🗹 | No □ |
| CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. | Yes | 🗹 | No □ |

---

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer", "smaller reporting company", and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Large accelerated filer** | **Accelerated filer** | **Non-accelerated filer** | **Smaller reporting company** | **Emerging growth company** |
| CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | 🗹 | □ | □ | ☐ | ☐ |
| CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC | □ | □ | 🗹 | ☐ | ☐ |
| CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. | □ | □ | 🗹 | ☐ | ☐ |

---

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Act. □

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☑

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | □ |
| CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC | □ |
| CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. | □ |

---

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | □ |
| CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC | □ |
| CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. | □ |

---

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | Yes | ☐ | No 🗹 |
| CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC | Yes | ☐ | No 🗹 |
| CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. | Yes | ☐ | No 🗹 |

---

The aggregate market values of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrants as of June 30, 2025 are as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (using the definition of beneficial ownership contained in Rule 13d-3 promulgated pursuant to Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and excluding shares held by directors and executive officers) | $23867105630 |
| CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC |  |
| CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. |  |

---

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers' classes of common stock as of February 13, 2026:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | 652871584 | shares of common stock outstanding, excluding 166 shares held as treasury stock |
| CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC | 1000 | common shares outstanding, all held by Utility Holding, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. |
| CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. | 1000 | shares of common stock outstanding, all held by Utility Holding, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. |

---

CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. meet the conditions set forth in general instruction I(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and are therefore filing this Form 10-K with the reduced disclosure format specified in General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K.

**DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE**

Portions of the definitive proxy statement relating to the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of CenterPoint Energy, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2025, are incorporated by reference in Item 10, Item 11, Item 12, Item 13 and Item 14 of Part III of this Form 10-K.

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ***GLOSSARY*** | ***GLOSSARY*** |
| ***AFSI*** | Adjusted financial statement income |
| ***AFUDC*** | Allowance for funds used during construction |
| ***AI*** | Artificial intelligence |
| ***ALJ*** | Administrative Law Judge |
| ***AMAs*** | Asset Management Agreements |
| ***AMS*** | Advanced Metering System |
| ***Arevon*** | Arevon Energy, Inc., which was formed through the combination of Capital Dynamics, Inc.'s U.S. Clean Energy Infrastructure business unit and Arevon Asset Management |
| ***ARO*** | Asset retirement obligation |
| ***ARP*** | Alternative revenue program |
| ***ASC*** | Accounting Standards Codification |
| ***ASU*** | Accounting Standards Update |
| ***AT&T Common*** | AT&T Inc. common stock |
| ***ATM Forward Purchasers*** | Bank of America, N.A., Barclays Bank PLC, Citibank, N.A., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Mizuho Markets Americas LLC, MUFG Securities EMEA plc and Royal Bank of Canada  |
| ***ATM Forward Sellers*** | BofA Securities, Inc. Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Mizuho Securities USA LLC, MUFG Securities Americas Inc. and RBC Capital Markets, LLC |
| ***ATM Managers*** | BofA Securities, Inc., Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Mizuho Securities USA LLC, MUFG Securities Americas Inc. and RBC Capital Markets, LLC |
| ***Bcf*** | Billion cubic feet |
| ***Board*** | CenterPoint Energy's Board of Directors |
| ***Bond Companies*** | Transition Bond Company IV, Restoration Bond Company II and Restoration Bond Company III, each a consolidated VIE that is a wholly-owned, bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entity formed solely for the purpose of securitizing transition property or system restoration property through the issuance of transition bonds or system restoration bonds |
| ***BTA*** | Build Transfer Agreement |
| ***CAMT*** | Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax |
| ***CARES Act*** | Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act |
| ***CCN*** | Certificate of Convenience and Necessity |
| ***CCR*** | Coal Combustion Residuals |
| ***CCR Rule*** | Final rule published by the EPA in 2015 to regulate coal ash as non-hazardous material under the RCRA |
| ***CECA*** | Clean Energy Cost Adjustment |
| ***CEIP*** | CenterPoint Energy Intrastate Pipelines, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CERC Corp. |
| ***CenterPoint Energy*** | CenterPoint Energy, Inc., and its subsidiaries |
| ***CenterPoint Energy Credit Agreement*** | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated December 6, 2022, by and among CenterPoint Energy, as borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, the financial institutions as bank parties thereto and the other parties thereto.  |
| ***CenterPoint Energy Extension Agreement*** | Extension Agreement to the CenterPoint Energy Credit Agreement, dated January 29, 2025, by and among CenterPoint Energy, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the banks party thereto |
| ***CEOH*** | Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio, LLC, doing business as CenterPoint Energy Ohio, which converted its corporate structure from Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio, Inc. to an Ohio limited liability company on June 13, 2022, formerly a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren, acquired by CERC on June 30, 2022 |
| ***CEP*** | Capital Expenditure Program |
| ***CERC*** | CERC Corp., together with its subsidiaries |
| ***CERC Credit Agreement*** | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated December 6, 2022, by and among CERC, as borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, the financial institutions as bank parties thereto and the other parties thereto |
| ***CERC Extension Agreement*** | Extension Agreement to the CERC Credit Agreement, dated January 29, 2025, by and among CERC, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the banks party thereto |
| ***CERC Corp.*** | CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. |

---

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ***GLOSSARY*** | ***GLOSSARY*** |
| ***CERCLA*** | Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended |
| ***Change in Control Plan*** | CenterPoint Energy Change in Control Plan (as amended and restated effective May 1, 2017) |
| ***Charter Common*** | Charter Communications, Inc. common stock |
| ***CIP*** | Conservation Improvement Program |
| ***Code*** | The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended |
| ***CODM*** | Chief Operating Decision Maker |
| ***Common Stock*** | CenterPoint Energy, Inc. common stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| ***Convertible Notes*** | CenterPoint Energy's 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 |
| ***Convertible Notes Indenture*** | Indenture dated as of August 4, 2023 by and between CenterPoint Energy and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association, as trustee, as supplemented |
| ***COVID-19*** | Novel coronavirus disease 2019, and any mutations or variants thereof, and related global outbreak that was subsequently declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization |
| ***CPCN*** | Certificate of public convenience and necessity |
| ***CPS Energy*** | City Public Service Board of San Antonio, Texas |
| ***Credit Agreements*** | The CenterPoint Energy Credit Agreement, Houston Electric Credit Agreement, CERC Credit Agreement and SIGECO Credit Agreement |
| ***CSIA*** | Compliance and System Improvement Adjustment |
| ***DCRF*** | Distribution Cost Recovery Factor |
| ***DOC*** | U.S. Department of Commerce |
| ***DOT*** | U.S. Department of Transportation |
| ***DRR*** | Distribution Replacement Rider |
| ***DSMA*** | Demand Side Management Adjustment |
| ***Dth*** | Dekatherms |
| ***ECA*** | Environmental Cost Adjustment |
| ***EDF Renewables*** | EDF Renewables Development, Inc. |
| ***EDIT*** | Excess deferred income taxes |
| ***EECR*** | Energy Efficiency Cost Recovery |
| ***EECRF*** | Energy Efficiency Cost Recovery Factor |
| ***EEFC*** | Energy Efficiency Funding Component |
| ***EEFR*** | Energy Efficiency Funding Rider |
| ***ELG*** | Effluent Limitation Guidelines |
| ***EIA*** | U.S. Energy Information Administration |
| ***Energy Systems Group*** | Energy Systems Group, LLC, previously a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren |
| ***EPA*** | Environmental Protection Agency |
| ***EPC*** | Engineering, Procurement and Construction |
| ***Equity Distribution Agreement*** | Equity Distribution Agreement, dated as of January 10, 2024, by and between CenterPoint Energy, the ATM Managers, the ATM Forward Purchasers and the ATM Forward Sellers |
| ***Equity Purchase Agreement*** | Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 21, 2023, by and between Vectren Energy Services and ESG Holdings Group |
| ***ERCOT*** | Electric Reliability Council of Texas |
| ***ERCOT ISO*** | ERCOT Independent System Operator |
| ***ERISA*** | Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 |
| ***ERO*** | Electric Reliability Organization |
| ***ESG Holdings Group*** | ESG Holdings Group, LLC a Delaware limited liability company, and an affiliate of Oaktree Capital Management |
| ***Exchange Act*** | The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended |
| ***Extension Agreements*** | The CenterPoint Energy Extension Agreement, Houston Electric Extension Agreement, CERC Extension Agreement and SIGECO Extension Agreement |
| ***FAC*** | Fuel Adjustment Clause |
| ***FASB*** | Financial Accounting Standards Board |

---

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ***GLOSSARY*** | ***GLOSSARY*** |
| ***February 2021 Winter Storm Event*** | The extreme and unprecedented winter weather event in February 2021 (also known as Winter Storm Uri) resulting in electricity generation supply shortages, including in Texas, and natural gas supply shortages and increased wholesale prices of natural gas in the United States, primarily due to prolonged freezing temperatures. |
| ***FERC*** | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission |
| ***Fitch*** | Fitch Ratings, Inc. |
| ***Form 10-K*** | Annual Report on Form 10-K |
| ***FPA*** | Federal Power Act |
| ***GAAP*** | Generally Accepted Accounting Principles |
| ***General Mortgage*** | General Mortgage Indenture, dated as of October 10, 2002, between CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee, as supplemented from time to time |
| ***GHG*** | Greenhouse gases |
| ***GRIP*** | Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program |
| ***GWh*** | Gigawatt-hours |
| ***HLPSA*** | Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 |
| ***Houston Electric*** | CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and its subsidiaries |
| ***Houston Electric Credit Agreement*** | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated December 6, 2022, by and among Houston Electric, as borrower, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as administrative agent, the financial institutions as bank parties thereto and the other parties thereto |
| ***Houston Electric Extension Agreement*** | Extension Agreement to the Houston Electric Credit Agreement, dated January 29, 2025, by and among Houston Electric, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as administrative agent, and the banks party thereto |
| ***Human Capital and Compensation Committee*** | Human Capital and Compensation Committee of the Board |
| ***Hurricane Beryl*** | The powerful and destructive storm that made landfall in Texas on July 8, 2024 and caused widespread damage to Houston Electric's electric delivery system |
| ***HVAC*** | Heating, ventilation and air conditioning |
| ***IAS*** | International Accounting Standards |
| ***IBEW*** | International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers |
| ***ICPA*** | Inter-Company Power Agreement |
| ***IDEM*** | Indiana Department of Environmental Management |
| ***IG*** | Intelligent Grid |
| ***Indiana Electric*** | Operations of SIGECO's electric transmission and distribution services, and includes its power generating and wholesale power operations |
| ***Indiana Gas*** | Indiana Gas Company, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of CERC Corp. |
| ***Indiana North*** | Gas operations of Indiana Gas |
| ***Indiana South*** | Gas operations of SIGECO |
| ***Indiana Utilities*** | Indiana Electric, Indiana North and Indiana South, collectively |
| ***IRA*** | Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 |
| ***IRP*** | Integrated Resource Plan |
| ***IRS*** | Internal Revenue Service |
| ***IURC*** | Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission |
| ***Junior Subordinated Notes*** | Junior Subordinated Series A Notes, Junior Subordinated Series B Notes and Junior Subordinated Series C Notes |
| ***Junior Subordinated Notes Indenture*** | Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of August 14, 2024, between CenterPoint Energy and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association, as trustee, as supplemented |
| ***Junior Subordinated Series A Notes*** | 7.000% Fixed-to-Fixed Reset Rate Junior Subordinated Notes, Series A, due 2055 |
| ***Junior Subordinated Series B Notes*** | 6.850% Fixed-to-Fixed Reset Rate Junior Subordinated Notes, Series B, due 2055 |
| ***Junior Subordinated Series C Notes*** | 6.700% Fixed-to-Fixed Reset Rate Junior Subordinated Notes, Series C, due 2055 |
| ***kV*** | Kilovolt |
| ***LAMS Asset Purchase Agreement*** | Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 19, 2024, by and among CERC Corp. and the LAMS Buyers |

---

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ***GLOSSARY*** | ***GLOSSARY*** |
| ***LAMS Buyers*** | Delta North Louisiana Gas Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Delta South Louisiana Gas Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Delta Mississippi Gas Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Delta Energy Resources, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company |
| ***LDC*** | Local Distribution Company |
| ***LNG*** | Liquefied natural gas |
| ***Load Shed*** | Curtailing the amount of electricity a TDU can transmit and distribute to its customers |
| ***LTIPs*** | Long-term incentive plans |
| ***M&DOT*** | Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated November 1, 1944, between Houston Lighting and Power Company and Chase Bank of Texas, National Association (formerly, South Texas Commercial National Bank of Houston), as Trustee, as amended and supplemented |
| ***May 2024 Storm Events*** | The sudden and destructive severe weather events in May 2024 that included hurricane-like winds and tornadoes and resulted in widespread damage to Houston Electric's electric delivery system |
| ***MCRA*** | MISO Cost and Revenue Adjustment |
| ***MDL*** | Multi-district litigation |
| ***MGP*** | Manufactured gas plant |
| ***MISO*** | Midcontinent Independent System Operator |
| ***MMBtu*** | One million British thermal units |
| ***MMcf*** | Million cubic feet |
| ***Moody's*** | Moody's Investors Service, Inc. |
| ***MPUC*** | Minnesota Public Utilities Commission |
| ***Mva*** | Megavolt amperes |
| ***MW*** | Megawatts |
| ***NAV*** | Net asset value |
| ***NECA*** | National Electrical Contractors Association |
| ***NERC*** | North American Electric Reliability Corporation |
| ***Netflix*** | Netflix, Inc. |
| ***NFGC*** | National Fuel Gas Company, a New Jersey corporation |
| ***NGA*** | Natural Gas Act of 1938 |
| ***NGLs*** | Natural gas liquids |
| ***NGPA*** | Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 |
| ***NGPSA*** | Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 |
| ***NOLs*** | Net operating losses |
| ***NRG*** | NRG Energy, Inc. |
| ***NYSE*** | New York Stock Exchange |
| ***OBBBA*** | Tax reform legislation informally known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act |
| ***Ohio Securities Purchase Agreement*** | Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 20, 2025, by and between CERC Corp. and NFGC |
| ***OPEIU*** | Office & Professional Employees International Union |
| ***Oriden*** | Oriden LLC |
| ***Origis*** | Origis Energy USA Inc. |
| ***OUCC*** | Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor |
| ***OVEC*** | Ohio Valley Electric Corporation |
| ***PHMSA*** | Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration |
| ***PIPES Act*** | Protecting Our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 2020 |
| ***Posey Solar*** | Posey Solar, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company |
| ***PPA*** | Power purchase agreement |
| ***PRPs*** | Potentially responsible parties |
| ***PTCs*** | Production Tax Credits |
| ***PUCO*** | Public Utilities Commission of Ohio |
| ***PUCT*** | Public Utility Commission of Texas |

---

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---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ***GLOSSARY*** | ***GLOSSARY*** |
| ***Railroad Commission*** | Railroad Commission of Texas |
| ***RCRA*** | Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 |
| ***Registrant*** | Each of CenterPoint Energy, Inc., CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. |
| ***Reliant Energy*** | Reliant Energy, Incorporated |
| ***REP*** | Retail electric provider |
| ***Restoration Bond Company II*** | CenterPoint Energy Restoration Bond Company II, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Houston Electric |
| ***Restoration Bond Company II Securitization Bonds*** | Restoration Bond Company II's Series 2025-A Senior Secured System Restoration Bonds |
| ***Restoration Bond Company III*** | CenterPoint Energy Restoration Bond Company III, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Houston Electric |
| ***Restructuring*** | CERC Corp.'s common control acquisition of Indiana Gas and CEOH from VUH on June 30, 2022 |
| ***ROE*** | Return on equity |
| ***ROU*** | Right of use |
| ***S&P*** | S&P Global Ratings, a division of S&P Global Inc. |
| ***Scope 1 emissions*** | Direct source of GHG emissions from a company's operations |
| ***Scope 2 emissions*** | Indirect source of GHG emissions from a company's energy usage |
| ***Scope 3 emissions*** | Indirect source of GHG emissions from a company's end-users |
| ***SEC*** | Securities and Exchange Commission |
| ***Securities Act*** | The Securities Act of 1933, as amended |
| ***Securitization Bonds*** | Transition and system restoration bonds issued by the Bond Companies and SIGECO Securitization Bonds issued by the SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary |
| ***Seller Note Agreement*** | Seller Note Agreement by and between CERC Corp. and NFGC to be entered into at the closing of the proposed sale of all of the issued and outstanding equity interests in CEOH to NFGC contemplated by the Ohio Securities Purchase Agreement |
| ***Series A Preferred Stock*** | CenterPoint Energy's previously outstanding Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share |
| ***Series 2025B Bonds*** | SIGECO's 5.09% First Mortgage Bonds, Series 2025B, Tranche A due 2031 and it's 5.52% First Mortgage Bonds, Series 2025B, Tranche B due 2035 |
| ***Series 2025C Bonds*** | SIGECO's 5.77% First Mortgage Bonds, Series 2025C, Tranche A due 2040 and it's 6.18% First Mortgage Bonds, Series 2025C, Tranche B due 2055 |
| ***SIGECO*** | Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren |
| ***SIGECO Credit Agreement*** | Credit Agreement, dated as of December 6, 2022, by and among SIGECO, as borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, the financial institutions as banks parties thereto and the other parties thereto |
| ***SIGECO Extension Agreement*** | Extension Agreement to the SIGECO Credit Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2025, by and among SIGECO, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and the banks party thereto |
| ***SIGECO Securitization Bonds*** | SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary's Series 2023-A Senior Secured Securitization Bonds |
| ***SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary*** | SIGECO Securitization I, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of SIGECO |
| ***SOFR*** | Secured Overnight Financing Rate |
| ***SRC*** | Sales Reconciliation Component |
| ***SRP*** | The transmission and distribution system resiliency plan filed by Houston Electric with the PUCT on January 31, 2025, which proposes investing approximately $5.75 billion over a three-year period for transmission and distribution infrastructure, information technology and cybersecurity assets and event response capability |
| ***TBD*** | To be determined |
| ***TCA*** | Texas Consumer Association |
| ***TCJA*** | Tax reform legislation informally called the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 |
| ***TCOS*** | Transmission Cost of Service |
| ***TCRF*** | Transmission Cost Recovery Factor |
| ***TDSIC*** | Transmission, Distribution and Storage System Improvement Charge |
| ***TDU*** | Transmission and distribution utility |

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---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ***GLOSSARY*** | ***GLOSSARY*** |
| ***TEEEF*** | Assets leased or costs incurred as "temporary emergency electric energy facilities" under Section 39.918 of the Public Utility Regulatory Act, also referred to as temporary generation |
| ***TEEEF Rule*** | Texas Administrative Code, Title 16, Section 25.56, which became effective January 8, 2025 and was further amended on February 6, 2025 |
| ***Texas RE*** | Texas Reliability Entity |
| ***Transition Bond Company IV*** | CenterPoint Energy Transition Bond Company IV, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Houston Electric |
| ***TSA*** | Transportation Security Administration |
| ***USW*** | United Steelworkers Union |
| ***UWUA*** | Utility Workers Union of America |
| ***Utility Holding*** | Utility Holding, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy |
| ***Vectren*** | Vectren, LLC, which converted its corporate structure from Vectren Corporation to a limited liability company on June 30, 2022, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy as of February 1, 2019, and, after the Restructuring, is held indirectly by CenterPoint Energy through Vectren Affiliated Utilities, Inc. |
| ***Vectren Energy Services*** | Vectren Energy Services Corporation, an Indiana corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy |
| ***VIE*** | Variable interest entity |
| ***Vistra Energy Corp.*** | Texas-based energy company focused on the competitive energy and power generation markets. |
| ***VRP*** | Voluntary Remediation Program |
| ***WBD*** | Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. |
| ***WBD Common*** | Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stock |
| ***ZENS*** | 2.0% Zero-Premium Exchangeable Subordinated Notes due 2029 |
| ***ZENS-Related Securities*** | As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, consisted of AT&T Common, Charter Common and WBD Common |
| ***2024 Form 10-K*** | Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 |
| ***2026 Convertible Notes*** | CenterPoint Energy's 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 |
| ***2026 Convertible Notes Indenture*** | Indenture dated as of August 4, 2023 by and between CenterPoint Energy and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association, as trustee, as supplemented |
| ***2028 Convertible Notes*** | CenterPoint Energy's 3.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028 |
| ***2028 Convertible Notes Indenture*** | Indenture, dated as of July 31, 2025, by and between CenterPoint Energy and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association, as trustee |

---

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**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **PART I** | **PART I** | **PART I** |
| | | **<u>Page</u>** |
| Item 1. | Business | <u>[1](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_19)</u> |
| Item 1A. | Risk Factors | <u>[19](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_43)</u> |
| Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments | <u>[44](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_46)</u> |
| Item 1C. | Cybersecurity | <u>[44](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_49)</u> |
| Item 2. | Properties | <u>[45](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_52)</u> |
| Item 3. | Legal Proceedings | <u>[49](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_58)</u> |
| Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | <u>[49](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_61)</u> |
| **PART II** | **PART II** | **PART II** |
| Item 5. | Market for Registrants' Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities | <u>[50](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_67)</u> |
| Item 6. | [Reserved] | <u>[50](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_70)</u> |
| Item 7. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | <u>[50](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_73)</u> |
| Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | <u>[87](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_115)</u> |
| Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data | <u>[90](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_118)</u> |
| Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | <u>[180](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_280)</u> |
| Item 9A. | Controls and Procedures | <u>[180](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_283)</u> |
| Item 9B. | Other Information | <u>[183](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_286)</u> |
| Item 9C. | Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections | <u>[183](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_286)</u> |
| **PART III** | **PART III** | **PART III** |
| Item 10. | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance | <u>[183](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_295)</u> |
| Item 11. | Executive Compensation | <u>[183](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_298)</u> |
| Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | <u>[183](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_301)</u> |
| Item 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence | <u>[183](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_304)</u> |
| Item 14. | Principal Accounting Fees and Services | <u>[183](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_307)</u> |
| **PART IV** | **PART IV** | **PART IV** |
| Item 15. | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules | <u>[185](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_313)</u> |
| Item 16. | Form 10-K Summary | <u>[185](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_316)</u> |

---

i

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**CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION**

From time to time the Registrants make statements concerning their expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance and underlying assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. You can generally identify forward-looking statements by the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words.

The Registrants have based their forward-looking statements on management's beliefs and assumptions based on information reasonably available to management at the time the statements are made. The Registrants caution you that assumptions, beliefs, expectations, intentions and projections about future events may and often do vary materially from actual results. Therefore, the Registrants cannot assure you that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by the Registrants' forward-looking statements. In this Form 10-K, unless context requires otherwise, the terms "our," "we" and "us" are used as abbreviated references to CenterPoint Energy, Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including Houston Electric, CERC and SIGECO.

Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied by the Registrants' forward-looking statements are described under "Risk Factors" in Item 1A and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Certain Factors Affecting Future Earnings" and " — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Other Matters — Other Factors That Could Affect Cash Requirements" in Item 7 of Part II of this report, which discussions are incorporated herein by reference.

You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and, other than as required under applicable securities laws, the Registrants undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

**SUMMARY OF RISK FACTORS** 

An investment in CenterPoint Energy's securities involves a significant degree of risk. Below is a summary of certain risk factors to consider in evaluating CenterPoint Energy as well as its Common Stock. However, this list is not exhaustive. Before investing in CenterPoint Energy, carefully consider the risk factors discussed or referenced below and in Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of this combined report on Form 10-K. If any of the risks discussed below and in Item 1A. "Risk Factors" were actually to occur, CenterPoint Energy's, Houston Electric's and CERC's business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be adversely affected. In that case, CenterPoint Energy might not be able to pay dividends on its Common Stock, or the trading price of its Common Stock could decline.

***Risk Factors Affecting Operations***

***Electric Transmission, Distribution and Generation (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric)***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***•*** Disruptions at third-party or Indiana Electric's power generation facilities, generation inadequacy, directives issued by regulatory authorities or other matters could cause interruptions in Houston Electric's and Indiana Electric's ability to provide transmission and distribution services and Houston Electric and Indiana Electric may not be able to promptly respond, repair and restart their facilities, which could adversely affect their businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Indiana Electric's execution of its generation transition plan is subject to various risks, including timely recovery of capital investments and increased costs and risks related to the timing and cost of development and/or construction of new generation facilities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Houston Electric's receivables are primarily concentrated in a small number of REPs, and any delay or default in payments of these receivables could adversely affect Houston Electric's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Houston Electric's use of TEEEF is subject to various risks, potential performance issues and allegations about Houston Electric's procurement and deployment of the resources (including the planning, execution and effectiveness of the same), regulatory and environmental requirements, and timely recovery of capital.

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***Natural Gas (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Access to natural gas supplies and pipeline transmission and storage capacity are essential components of reliable service for our natural gas business customers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• We are subject to fluctuations in natural gas prices, which could affect the ability of our suppliers and customers to meet their obligations or may impact our operations, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Our natural gas businesses must compete with alternate energy sources, which could result in less natural gas delivered and have an adverse impact on our businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

***Risk Factors Affecting Regulatory, Environmental and Legal Risks***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Rate regulation of the Registrants' electric and natural gas businesses may delay or deny their ability to earn an expected return and fully and timely recover their costs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Our successful execution and completion of capital projects and programs, including those within our 10-year capital plan, are subject to substantial risks, and our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially affected should such efforts not be executed and completed as planned.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• We are involved in numerous legal proceedings, the outcomes of which are uncertain, and resolutions adverse to us could negatively affect our financial results.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Negative opinions of CenterPoint Energy from customers, investors, legislators, regulators, creditors, rating agencies and other stakeholders relating to actual or perceived system reliability and safety, the speed of our response to service interruptions, rates and customer affordability, our ability to successfully execute our capital plan, media coverage and actions by third parties, could harm our reputation and have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• We are subject to operational and financial risks and liabilities arising from environmental laws and regulations, including regulation of CCR, federal and state climate change legislation and regulation and certain local initiatives that seek to limit fossil fuel usage.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• CenterPoint Energy is subject to operational and financial risks and liabilities associated with its sustainability and related activities, including the implementation of and efforts to achieve its energy transition goals.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• We are subject to extensive regulation, which could result in higher costs for system improvements, as well as fines or other sanctions.

***Risk Factors Affecting Financial, Economic and Market Risks***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***•*** Disruptions to the global supply chain, inflation, labor shortages and scarcity of certain materials may impact our operations, which could have an adverse impact on our ability to execute our capital plan and on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If we are unable to arrange future financings on acceptable terms, our ability to finance our capital expenditures and operations or refinance outstanding indebtedness could be limited.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• CenterPoint Energy is a holding company that derives all of its operating income from, and holds substantially all of its assets through, its subsidiaries. As a result, CenterPoint Energy depends on the performance of and distributions from its subsidiaries to meet its payment obligations and to pay dividends on its common stock, and provisions of applicable law or contractual restrictions could limit the amount of those distributions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If CenterPoint Energy redeems the ZENS prior to their maturity in 2029, its ultimate tax liability and redemption payments may result in significant cash payments, which would adversely impact its cash flows and liquidity. Similarly, a significant amount of exchanges of ZENS by ZENS holders could adversely impact CenterPoint Energy's cash flows and liquidity.

***Risk Factors Affecting Safety and Security Risks***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Registrants' businesses have safety risks.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Cyberattacks, physical security breaches, acts of terrorism or other disruptions could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• We may not be successful in our adoption, development and deployment of AI, which could adversely affect our business, reputation or financial results.

iii

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***General and Other Risks***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Our revenues and results of operations are seasonal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Severe weather events, natural disasters and other climate-related impacts could adversely impact our businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• We are exposed to risks related to changes in demand and energy consumption that could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows may be adversely affected if we are unable to successfully operate our facilities or perform certain corporate functions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Aging infrastructure may lead to increased costs and disruptions in operations that could negatively impact our financial results.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Our businesses will continue to have to adapt to, implement and integrate technological change and may not be successful implementing such technological change as designed or may have to make significant investments to adapt to and integrate technological change.

iv

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**PART I**

**Item 1.*Business***

This combined Form 10-K is filed separately by three registrants: CenterPoint Energy, Inc., CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. Information contained herein relating to any individual Registrant is filed by such Registrant solely on its own behalf. No Registrant makes any representation as to information relating to the other Registrants or the subsidiaries of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. other than itself or its subsidiaries. Except as discussed in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements, no Registrant has an obligation in respect of any other Registrant's debt securities, and holders of such debt securities should not consider the financial resources or results of operations of any Registrant other than the obligor in making a decision with respect to such securities.

The discussion of CenterPoint Energy's consolidated financial information includes the financial results of Houston Electric and CERC. Where appropriate, information relating to a specific Registrant has been segregated and labeled as such. Unless the context indicates otherwise, specific references to Houston Electric and CERC also pertain to CenterPoint Energy. In this combined Form 10-K, 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.

**OUR BUSINESS**

***Overview***

CenterPoint Energy is a public utility holding company. CenterPoint Energy's operating subsidiaries own and operate electric transmission, distribution and generation facilities and natural gas distribution systems.

As of December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy's indirect, wholly-owned operating subsidiaries included:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Houston Electric, which provides electric transmission service to transmission service customers in the ERCOT region and distribution service to REPs serving the Texas Gulf Coast area that includes the city of Houston.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• CERC Corp., which (i) directly owns and operates natural gas distribution systems in Minnesota and Texas, (ii) indirectly, through Indiana Gas and CEOH, owns and operates natural gas distribution systems in Indiana and Ohio, respectively, and (iii) owns and operates permanent pipeline connections through interconnects with various interstate and intrastate pipeline companies through CEIP; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• SIGECO, which provides energy delivery services to electric and natural gas customers located in and near Evansville in southwestern Indiana and owns and operates electric generation assets to serve its electric customers and optimizes those assets in the wholesale power market.

As of December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy's reportable segments were Electric, Natural Gas and Corporate and Other. Houston Electric and CERC each consist of one reportable segment. For a description of CenterPoint Energy's reportable segments, see Note 16. For a discussion of net income by segment, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Results of Operations by Reportable Segment" in Item 7 of Part II of this report.

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. 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. On October 20, 2025, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., entered into the Ohio Securities Purchase Agreement to sell all of the issued and outstanding equity interests in CEOH for total consideration of approximately $2.62 billion, which is comprised of the following: (i) $1.42 billion in cash payable to CERC Corp. upon closing of the transaction, subject to adjustments as set forth in the Ohio Securities Purchase Agreement, including adjustments based on net working capital, regulatory assets and liabilities and capital expenditures at closing of the transaction; and (ii) a 364-day seller promissory note, in the original principal amount of $1.2 billion, to be issued by NFGC at the closing of the transaction and payable to CERC Corp. as provided by the terms and conditions of the Seller Note Agreement. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. For further information, see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

The Registrants' principal executive offices are located at 1111 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas 77002 (telephone number: 713-207-1111).

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We make available free of charge on CenterPoint Energy's internet website, http://www.centerpointenergy.com, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such reports with, or furnish them to, the SEC. The SEC maintains an internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Additionally, we make available free of charge on CenterPoint Energy's internet website:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our Code of Ethics for our Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our Ethics and Compliance Code;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our Supplier Code of Conduct;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our Corporate Governance Guidelines; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the charters of the Audit, Corporate Governance and Nominating, Human Capital and Compensation, and Safety and Operations committees of our Board.

Any shareholder who so requests may obtain a printed copy of any of these documents from us. Changes in or waivers of our Code of Ethics for our Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers and waivers of our Ethics and Compliance Code for directors or executive officers will be posted on our internet website within five business days of such change or waiver and maintained for at least 12 months or timely reported on Item 5.05 of Form 8-K.

Investors should also note that we announce material financial information in SEC filings, press releases and public conference calls. Based on guidance from the SEC, we may use the investor relations section of our internet website to communicate with our investors. It is possible that the financial and other information posted there could be deemed to be material information. Except to the extent explicitly stated herein, documents and information on our internet website are not incorporated by reference herein.

***Electric (CenterPoint Energy)***

The Electric reportable segment is comprised of Houston Electric and Indiana Electric.

For information regarding the properties of the Electric reportable segment, see "Properties — Electric (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric)" in Item 2 of this report, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

***Houston Electric (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric)***

Houston Electric is a transmission and distribution electric utility that operates wholly within the state of Texas. Houston Electric does not make direct retail or wholesale sales of electric energy or own or operate any power generating facilities other than TEEEF.

*Electric Transmission*

On behalf of REPs, Houston Electric delivers electricity from power plants to substations, from one substation to another and to retail electric customers taking power at or above 69 kV in locations throughout Houston Electric's certificated service territory. Houston Electric constructs and maintains transmission facilities and provides transmission services under tariffs approved by the PUCT.

*Electric Distribution*

Houston Electric's distribution network receives electricity from the transmission grid through power distribution substations and delivers electricity for REPs in its certificated service area by carrying lower-voltage power from the substation to the retail electric customer through distribution feeders. Houston Electric's operations include construction and maintenance of distribution facilities, metering services, outage response services and call center operations. Houston Electric provides distribution services under tariffs approved by the PUCT. PUCT rules and market protocols govern the commercial operations of distribution companies and other market participants. Rates for these services are established pursuant to rate proceedings conducted before municipalities that have original jurisdiction and the PUCT.

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*TEEEF* 

As allowed by a law enacted by the Texas legislature after the February 2021 Winter Storm Event and amended in 2023, Houston Electric has entered into contractual arrangements to facilitate access to TEEEF units, both on a long-term basis and, to a limited extent, on a month-to-month basis, that can aid in restoring power to customers during certain significant power outages that are impacting its distribution system. In June 2025, Houston Electric entered into definitive documentation (the "ERCOT Transaction"), subject to PUCT approval, with relevant parties to release its 15 large 27 MW to 32 MW TEEEF units to the San Antonio area until March 2027 unless terminated earlier pursuant to the provisions of the ERCOT Transaction, during which 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 the San Antonio area serving ERCOT. In November 2025, Houston Electric proposed to release its five medium (5.7 MW) TEEEF units and to remove the associated lease costs from its rates effective January 1, 2026. On February 13, 2026, Houston Electric requested continued abatement until February 27, 2026 due to continued settlement discussions. As of December 31, 2025, Houston Electric leased 519 MW of TEEEF on a long-term basis. For more information, see Note 7 and Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements.

*Bond Companies*

Houston Electric has VIEs, including Transition Bond Company IV and Restoration Bond Company II, which are consolidated. The consolidated VIEs are wholly-owned, bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entities that were formed solely for the purpose of securitizing transition property or system restoration property through the issuance of transition bonds or system restoration bonds, and conducting activities incidental thereto. The Securitization Bonds are repaid through charges imposed on customers in Houston Electric's service territory. On October 15, 2024, Transition Bond Company IV repaid in full its last outstanding transition bonds at maturity. For further discussion of the Securitization Bonds and the outstanding balances as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, see Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

*Customers*

Houston Electric serves nearly all of the Houston/Galveston metropolitan area near the Texas Gulf Coast. Houston Electric's customers consist of REPs, which sell electricity to metered customers in Houston Electric's certificated service area, and municipalities, electric cooperatives and other distribution companies located outside Houston Electric's certificated service area. Each REP is licensed by, and must meet minimum creditworthiness criteria established by, the PUCT. Houston Electric does not have long-term contracts with any of its customers, but rather operates using a continuous billing cycle, with meter readings being conducted and invoices being distributed to REPs each business day. For information regarding Houston Electric's major customers, see Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements.

The table below reflects the number of REPs and metered customers in Houston Electric's service area as of December 31, 2025:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **REPs** | **Residential** | **Commercial/<br>Industrial** | **Total Customers** |
| Texas Gulf Coast  | 67 | 2544880 | 314433 | 2859313 |

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*Competition*

There are no other electric transmission and distribution utilities in Houston Electric's service area. For another provider of transmission and distribution services to provide such services in Houston Electric's territory, it would be required to obtain a CCN from the PUCT and, depending on the location of the facilities, may also be required to obtain franchises from one or more municipalities. Houston Electric is not aware of any other party intending to enter this business in its service area at this time. Distributed generation (i.e., power generation located at or near the point of consumption) could result in a reduction of demand for Houston Electric's distribution services but has not been a significant factor to date.

*Seasonality*

Houston Electric's revenues are primarily derived from rates that it collects from each REP based on the amount of electricity it delivers on behalf of that REP. Houston Electric's revenues and results of operations are subject to seasonality, weather conditions and other changes in electricity usage, with revenues generally being higher during the warmer months when more electricity is used for cooling purposes.

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*Franchises*

Houston Electric holds non-exclusive franchises from certain incorporated municipalities in its service territory. In exchange for the payment of fees, these franchises give Houston Electric the right to use the streets and public rights-of-way of these municipalities to construct, operate and maintain its transmission and distribution system and to use that system to conduct its electric delivery business and for other purposes that the franchises permit. The terms of the franchises, with various expiration dates, typically range from 30 to 40 years.

***Indiana Electric (CenterPoint Energy)***

Indiana Electric consists of SIGECO's electric transmission and distribution services, including its electric generation assets and wholesale power operations. The table below reflects the number of metered customers to whom Indiana Electric supplied electric service as of December 31, 2025:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Residential** | **Commercial/Industrial** | **Total Customers** |
| Southwestern Indiana | 134695 | 19707 | 154402 |

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*System Load*

Total load and the related reserve margin at the time of the system summer peak on June 25, 2025 is presented below in MW, except for reserve margin at peak:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **2025** |
| Total load at peak | 1073 |
| Generating capability | 1071 |
| Purchase supply (effective capacity) (1) | 263 |
| Interruptible contracts & direct load control | 14 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total power supply capacity | 1348 |
| Reserve margin at peak | 26% |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Total reflects long-term and short-term capacity contracts secured to meet MISO planning requirements.

The winter peak load for the 2024-2025 season of approximately 849 MW occurred on January 21, 2025.

*Solar and Wind*

Indiana Electric has entered into various PPAs to purchase solar power and wind power to meet its future generation needs as reported in the table below:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Power Type** | **Counterparty** | **Location** | **Date in Service/Expected Date in Service** | **Capacity<br>(MW)** | **Term<br>(in Years)** |
| Wind | NextEra Energy, Inc. | Tama County, Iowa | 2025 | 170 | 27 |
| Solar | Origis | Knox County, Indiana | 2026 | 150 | 20 |
| Wind | NextEra Energy, Inc. | Knox County, Illinois | 2026 | 147 | 25 |
|  |  |  |  | 467 |  |

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For further information about Indiana Electric's solar power and wind power activities, see "Item 2. Properties" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Regulatory Matters" in Item 7 of Part II of this report, which discussion is incorporated herein by reference.

*Coal Purchases*

Coal for coal-fired generating stations has been supplied from operators of nearby coal mines as there are substantial coal reserves in the southern Indiana area. Major suppliers are those that account for greater than 10% of Indiana Electric's coal purchases. For the year ended December 31, 2025, Sunrise LLC accounted for 100% of Indiana Electric's coal purchases.

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The table below presents information related to coal purchases during the year ended December 31, 2025 and coal inventory as of December 31, 2025:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **(In tons, except average cost per ton)** |
| Coal purchased for generating electricity | 643030 |
| Coal inventory as of December 31, 2025 | 422503 |
| Average cost of coal per ton | $68.04 |

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*Firm Purchase Supply*

Indiana Electric enters into long-term purchase supply agreements to meet its generation needs as disclosed below:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fuel Type** | **Provider** | **Location** | **Contract Expiration** | **Capacity<br>(MW)** | **Purchased in 2025**<br> **(in GWh)** |
| Coal | OVEC (1) | Indiana and Ohio | 2040 | 32 | 203 |
| Wind | Benton County Wind Farm, LLC | Benton County, Indiana | 2028 | 30 | 81 |
| Wind | Fowler Ridge II Wind Farm, LLC | Benton/Tippecanoe Counties, Indiana | 2029 | 50 | 129 |
| Wind | Salt Creek Wind, LLC | Tama County, Iowa | 2052 | 170 | 52 |
|  |  |  |  | 282 | 465 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)As part of its power portfolio, Indiana Electric is a 1.5% shareholder in the OVEC. Based on its participation in the ICPA between OVEC and its shareholder companies, Indiana Electric has the right to 1.5% of OVEC's generating capacity output and shares in 1.5% of the operating expenses and debt obligations of OVEC.

*MISO-Related Activity*

Indiana Electric is a member of the MISO, a FERC-approved regional transmission organization. The MISO serves the electric transmission needs of much of the Midcontinent region and maintains operational control over Indiana Electric's electric transmission facilities and generation facilities as well as other utilities in the region. Indiana Electric is an active participant in the MISO energy markets, bidding its owned generation into the Day Ahead and Real Time markets and procuring power for its retail customers at Locational Marginal Pricing as determined by the MISO market. MISO-related purchase and sale transactions are recorded using settlement information provided by the MISO. These purchase and sale transactions are accounted for on at least a net hourly position.

MISO-related activity for the year ended December 31, 2025 was as follows:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **In GWh** |
| Net purchases (1) | 3007 |
| Net sales (2) | 2 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Represents intervals when purchases from the MISO were in excess of generation sold to the MISO.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)Represents intervals when sales to the MISO were in excess of purchases from the MISO.

*Interconnections*

As of December 31, 2025, Indiana Electric had interconnections with Louisville Gas and Electric Company, Duke Energy Shared Services, Inc., Indianapolis Power & Light Company, Hoosier Energy Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. and Big Rivers Electric Corporation providing the ability to simultaneously interchange approximately 660 MW during peak load periods. Indiana Electric, as required as a member of the MISO, has turned over operational control of the interchange facilities and its own transmission assets to the MISO. Indiana Electric, in conjunction with the MISO, must operate the bulk electric transmission system in accordance with NERC Reliability Standards. As a result, interchange capability varies based on regional transmission system configuration, generation dispatch, seasonal facility ratings and other factors. Indiana Electric is in compliance with reliability standards promulgated by NERC.

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*SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary*

SIGECO has a VIE, SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary, which is consolidated. This consolidated VIE is a wholly-owned, bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entity that was formed solely for the purpose of facilitating the securitization financing of qualified costs. The obligations of the SIGECO Securitization Bonds are repaid through charges imposed on customers in Indiana Electric's service territory. For further discussion of the SIGECO Securitization Bonds and the outstanding balance as of December 31, 2025, see Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

*Competition*

There are no other electric transmission and distribution utilities in Indiana Electric's service area. Indiana Electric is a vertically integrated utility that owns the generation, transmission, and distribution components of a utility.

For another provider of transmission and distribution services to provide such services in Indiana Electric's territory, it would be required to obtain IURC approval of such service territory. Indiana service territory certificates are exclusive. Distributed generation (i.e., power generation located at or near the point of consumption) could result in reduced demand for Indiana Electric's distribution services but has not been a significant factor to date.

*Seasonality*

Indiana Electric's revenues are primarily derived from rates that it collects from customers in its service territory based on the amount of electricity it delivers. Indiana Electric's revenues and results of operations are subject to seasonality, weather conditions and other changes in electricity usage, with revenues generally being higher during the warmer months when more electricity is used for cooling purposes, and during the cooler months when more electricity is used for heating purposes.

***Natural Gas (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)***

CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses engage in regulated intrastate natural gas sales to, and natural gas transportation and storage for, residential, commercial, industrial and transportation customers. CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses provide permanent pipeline connections through interconnects with various interstate and intrastate pipeline companies through CEIP. CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses also provided services in Minnesota consisting of residential appliance repair and maintenance services along with HVAC equipment sales. Additionally, CenterPoint Energy and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses provided home repair protection plans to natural gas customers in Indiana, Ohio and Texas through a third party as of December 31, 2025.

For information regarding the properties of the Natural Gas reportable segment, read "Properties — Natural Gas (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)" in Item 2 of this report, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

On March 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., completed the sale of its Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses. On October 20, 2025, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., entered into the Ohio Securities Purchase Agreement to sell all of the issued and outstanding equity interests in CEOH for total consideration of approximately $2.62 billion, which is comprised of the following: (i) $1.42 billion in cash payable to CERC Corp. upon closing of the transaction, subject to adjustments as set forth in the Ohio Securities Purchase Agreement, including adjustments based on net working capital, regulatory assets and liabilities and capital expenditures at closing of the transaction; and (ii) a 364-day seller promissory note, in the original principal amount of $1.2 billion, to be issued by NFGC at the closing of the transaction and payable to CERC Corp. as provided by the terms and conditions of the Seller Note Agreement. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. For further information, see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

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*Customers*

The table below reflects the number of CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution business customers by state as of December 31, 2025:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Residential** | **Commercial/<br>Industrial/Transportation** | **Total Customers** |
| Indiana (Indiana Gas) | 613299 | 55996 | 669295 |
| Minnesota | 865667 | 73063 | 938730 |
| Ohio | 312131 | 24711 | 336842 |
| Texas | 1843325 | 124730 | 1968055 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total CERC Natural Gas | 3634422 | 278500 | 3912922 |
| Indiana (SIGECO) | 105497 | 10666 | 116163 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total CenterPoint Energy Natural Gas | 3739919 | 289166 | 4029085 |

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The largest metropolitan areas served in each state were Houston, Texas; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Evansville, Indiana; and Dayton, Ohio.

The table below reflects the percentage of total throughput by customer type for the year ended December 31, 2025:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **CERC** |
| Residential | 34% | 36% |
| Commercial/Industrial and Transportation | 66% | 64% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Throughput | 100% | 100% |

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*Seasonality*

The demand for natural gas sales to residential customers and natural gas sales and transportation for commercial and industrial customers is seasonal and affected by variations in weather conditions. In 2025, approximately 68% and 69% of the total throughput for CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses, respectively, occurred in the first and fourth quarters. These patterns reflect the higher demand for natural gas for heating purposes during the colder months.

*Supply and Transportation*

In 2025, CenterPoint Energy's natural gas distribution businesses purchased virtually all of their natural gas supply pursuant to contracts with remaining terms varying from a few months to three years. Major suppliers are those that account for greater than 10% of CenterPoint Energy's or CERC's annual natural gas supply purchases.

Major suppliers of natural gas for the year ended December 31, 2025 were as follows:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **CERC** |
| Tenaska Marketing Ventures, LLC | 32% | 30% |
| Macquarie Energy, LLC | 12% | 13% |
| BP Energy Company | 8% | 8% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total of major suppliers | 52% | 51% |

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Numerous other suppliers provided the remainder of CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas supply requirements.

CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses transport their natural gas supplies through various intrastate and interstate pipelines under contracts with remaining terms, including extensions, varying from one to fifteen years. CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses anticipate that these gas supply and transportation contracts will be renewed or replaced prior to their expiration.

CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses actively engage in commodity price stabilization pursuant to annual gas supply plans presented to and/or filed with each of their state regulatory authorities. These price stabilization activities include use of storage gas and contractually establishing structured prices (e.g., fixed price, costless

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collars and caps) with CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution business' physical gas suppliers. Their gas supply plans generally call for 50–70% of normal winter supplies to be stabilized in some fashion.

The regulations of the states in which CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses operate allow them to pass through changes in the cost of natural gas, including savings and costs of financial derivatives associated with the index-priced physical supply, to their customers under purchased gas adjustment provisions in their tariffs. Depending upon the jurisdiction, the purchased gas adjustment factors are updated periodically, ranging from monthly to semi-annually. The changes in the cost of gas billed to customers are subject to review by the applicable regulatory bodies.

CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses use various third-party storage services or owned natural gas storage facilities to meet peak-day requirements and to manage the daily changes in demand due to changes in weather. CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses may also supplement contracted supplies and storage from time to time with stored LNG and propane-air plant production.

On an ongoing basis, CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses enter into contracts to provide sufficient supplies and pipeline capacity to meet their customer requirements. However, it is possible for limited service disruptions to occur from time to time due to weather conditions, transportation constraints and other events. As a result of these factors, supplies of natural gas may become unavailable from time to time, or prices may increase rapidly in response to temporary supply constraints or other factors.

CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses continue to utilize AMAs associated with their utility distribution service in Indiana, Minnesota and Texas. Generally, AMAs are contracts between CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses and an asset manager that are intended to transfer the working capital obligation and maximize the utilization of the assets. In these agreements, CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses agree to release transportation and storage capacity to other parties to manage natural gas storage, supply and delivery arrangements for CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses and to use the released capacity for other purposes when it is not needed for CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses. CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses may receive compensation from the asset manager through payments made over the life of the AMAs. CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses have an obligation to purchase their winter storage requirements that have been released to the asset manager under these AMAs. The AMAs have varying terms, the longest of which expires in 2029. Pursuant to the provisions of the agreements, CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses either sell natural gas to the asset manager and agree to repurchase an equivalent amount of natural gas throughout the year at the same cost, or simply purchases its full natural gas requirements at each delivery point from the asset manager. Each of CenterPoint Energy and CERC had no amounts outstanding under these AMAs as of December 31, 2025 and 2024.

*Competition*

CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses compete primarily with alternate energy sources such as electricity and other fuel sources. In some areas, intrastate pipelines, other gas distributors and marketers also compete directly for gas sales to end users. In addition, as a result of federal regulations affecting interstate pipelines, natural gas marketers operating on these pipelines may be able to bypass CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution business' facilities and market, sell and/or transport natural gas directly to commercial and industrial customers.

*Franchises*

In almost all communities in which CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses provide natural gas distribution services, they operate under franchises, certificates or licenses obtained from state and local authorities. The original terms of the franchises, with various expiration dates, typically range from 10 to 30 years. CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses expect to be able to renew expiring franchises. In most cases, franchises to provide natural gas utility services are not exclusive.

***Corporate and Other (CenterPoint Energy)***

CenterPoint Energy's Corporate and Other reportable segment consists of corporate support operations that support CenterPoint Energy's business operations and also includes office buildings and other real estate used for business operations. CenterPoint Energy's Corporate and Other reportable segment also consisted of energy performance contracting and sustainable infrastructure services by Energy Systems Group through June 30, 2023, the date of the sale of Energy Systems Group. For additional information on the sale of Energy Systems Group, see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

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**REGULATION**

The Registrants are subject to regulation by various federal, state and local governmental agencies, including the regulations described below. The following discussion is based on regulation in the Registrants' businesses as of December 31, 2025.

**Federal Energy Regulatory Commission**

FERC has jurisdiction under the NGA and the NGPA, as amended, to regulate the transportation of natural gas in interstate commerce and natural gas sales for resale in interstate commerce that are not first sales. FERC regulates, among other things, the construction of pipeline and related facilities used in the transportation and storage of natural gas in interstate commerce, including the extension, expansion or abandonment of these facilities. FERC also regulates the transmission and wholesale sales of electricity in interstate commerce, mergers, acquisitions and corporate transactions by electricity companies, energy markets, reliability standards and the issuance of short-term debt by public utilities regulated by FERC. FERC has authority to prohibit market manipulation in connection with FERC-regulated transactions, to conduct audits and investigations, and to impose significant civil penalties (up to approximately $1.6 million per day per violation, subject to periodic adjustment to account for inflation) for statutory violations and violations of the FERC's rules or orders.

Indiana Electric is a "public utility" under the FPA and is subject to regulation by FERC. Houston Electric is not a "public utility" under the FPA and, therefore, is not generally regulated by FERC, although certain of its transactions are subject to limited FERC jurisdiction. FERC has certain responsibilities with respect to ensuring the reliability of electric transmission service, including transmission facilities owned by Houston Electric and other utilities within ERCOT. FERC has designated NERC as the ERO to promulgate standards, under FERC oversight, for all owners, operators and users of the bulk power system. The ERO and FERC have authority to (a) impose fines and other sanctions on applicable entities that fail to comply with approved standards and (b) audit compliance with approved standards. FERC has approved the delegation by NERC of authority for reliability in ERCOT to the Texas RE and in MISO to ReliabilityFirst Corporation. Neither Houston Electric nor Indiana Electric anticipate that the reliability standards proposed by NERC and approved by FERC will have a material adverse impact on their operations. To the extent that Houston Electric and Indiana Electric are required to make additional expenditures to comply with these standards, it is anticipated that Houston Electric and Indiana Electric will seek to recover those costs through the transmission charges that are imposed on all distribution service providers within ERCOT and the MISO, respectively, for electric transmission provided.

The FPA also provides that, whenever the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy determines that an emergency exists by reason of a sudden increase in the demand for electric energy, or a shortage of electric energy or of facilities for the generation or transmission of electric energy, then the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy has the authority to require by order such temporary connections of facilities and such generation, delivery, interchange or transmission of electric energy as in the Secretary's judgment will best meet the demands of the emergency and serve the public interest.

As a public utility holding company, under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005, CenterPoint Energy and its consolidated subsidiaries are subject to reporting and accounting requirements and are required to maintain certain books and records and make them available for review by FERC and state regulatory authorities in certain circumstances.

For a discussion of the Registrants' ongoing regulatory proceedings, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Regulatory Matters" in Item 7 of Part II of this report, which discussion is incorporated herein by reference.

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**State and Local Regulation – Electric Transmission & Distribution (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric)**

Houston Electric is a member of ERCOT, which serves as the independent system operator and regional reliability coordinator for member electric power systems in most of Texas. The ERCOT market represents approximately 90% of the demand for power in Texas and is one of the nation's largest power markets. The ERCOT market operates under the reliability standards developed by NERC, approved by FERC and monitored and enforced by the Texas RE. The PUCT has primary jurisdiction over the ERCOT market to ensure the adequacy and reliability of electricity supply across the state's main interconnected power transmission grid.

The ERCOT ISO is responsible for operating the bulk electric power supply system in the ERCOT market. Houston Electric's transmission business, along with those of other owners of transmission facilities in Texas, supports the operation of the ERCOT ISO. Houston Electric participates with the ERCOT ISO and other ERCOT utilities to plan, design, obtain regulatory approval for and construct new transmission lines necessary to increase bulk power transfer capability and to remove existing constraints on the ERCOT transmission grid.

Houston Electric conducts its operations pursuant to a CCN issued by the PUCT that covers its present service area and facilities. The PUCT and certain municipalities have the authority to set the rates and terms of service provided by Houston Electric under cost-of-service rate regulation. Houston Electric holds non-exclusive franchises from certain incorporated municipalities in its service territory. In exchange for payment of fees, these franchises give Houston Electric the right to use the streets and public rights-of-way of these municipalities to construct, operate and maintain its transmission and distribution system and to use that system to conduct its electric delivery business and for other purposes that the franchises permit. The terms of the franchises, with various expiration dates, typically range from 30 to 40 years.

In ERCOT, end users purchase their electricity directly from certificated REPs. Houston Electric's distribution rates charged to REPs for residential and small commercial customers are primarily based on amounts of energy delivered, whereas distribution rates for a majority of large commercial and industrial customers are primarily based on peak demand. All REPs in Houston Electric's service area pay the same rates and other charges for transmission and distribution services. This regulated delivery charge may include the transmission and distribution rate (which includes municipal franchise fees), a DCRF mechanism for recovery of incremental distribution-invested capital above that which is already reflected in the base distribution rate, a TEEEF mechanism for recovery of costs associated with leasing and operating certain TEEEF, a TCRF mechanism for recovery of approved wholesale transmission cost changes billed by a transmission service provider, a nuclear decommissioning charge associated with decommissioning the South Texas nuclear generating facility, an EECRF charge, and charges associated with securitization of regulatory assets, stranded costs and restoration costs. Transmission rates charged to distribution companies are based on amounts of energy transmitted under "postage stamp" rates that do not vary with the distance the energy is being transmitted. All distribution companies in ERCOT pay Houston Electric the same rates and other charges for transmission services.

With the IURC's approval, Indiana Electric is a member of the MISO, a FERC-approved regional transmission organization. The MISO serves the electrical transmission needs of much of the Midcontinent region and maintains operational control over Indiana Electric's electric transmission and generation facilities as well as those of other utilities in the region. Indiana Electric is an active participant in the MISO energy markets, bidding its owned generation into the Day Ahead and Real Time markets and procuring power for its retail customers at Locational Marginal Pricing as determined by the MISO market. Indiana Electric also receives transmission revenue that results from other members' use of Indiana Electric's transmission system. Generally, these transmission revenues, along with costs charged by the MISO, are considered components of base rates and any variance from that included in base rates is recovered from or refunded to retail customers through tracking mechanisms.

For a discussion of certain of Houston Electric's and Indiana Electric's ongoing regulatory proceedings, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Regulatory Matters" in Item 7 of Part II of this report, which discussion is incorporated herein by reference.

**State and Local Regulation – Electric Generation (CenterPoint Energy)**

The energy and capacity secured from Indiana Electric's available generation resources are utilized primarily to serve the needs of retail electric customers residing within Indiana Electric's franchised service territory. The expenses and capital investments associated with operating Indiana Electric's generation facilities are recovered through IURC-approved base rates as well as periodic rate recovery mechanisms including the CECA, ECA, FAC, MCRA, and RCRA mechanism. Costs that are deemed unreasonable or imprudent by the IURC may not be recoverable through retail electric rates. Indiana Electric also receives revenues from the MISO to compensate it for benefits the generation facilities provide to the transmission system.

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Proceeds from the sales of energy from Indiana Electric's generation facilities that exceed the requirements of retail customers are provided to retail electric customers.

The generation facilities owned and operated by Indiana Electric are subject to various environmental regulations enforced by the EPA and the IDEM. Operations of Indiana Electric's generation facilities are subject to regulation by the EPA and the IDEM as it pertains to water quality, waste disposal and air emissions from the generation facilities. For further discussion, see "Our Business — Environmental Matters" below.

For a discussion of Indiana Electric's ongoing regulatory proceedings, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Regulatory Matters" in Item 7 of Part II of this report, which discussion is incorporated herein by reference.

**State and Local Regulation – Natural Gas (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)**

In almost all communities in which CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses provide natural gas distribution services, they operate under franchises, certificates or licenses obtained from state and local authorities. The original terms of the franchises, with various expiration dates, typically range from 10 to 30 years. CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses expect to be able to renew expiring franchises. In most cases, franchises to provide natural gas utility services are not exclusive.

Substantially all of CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses are subject to cost-of-service rate regulation by the relevant state public utility commissions and, in Texas, by those municipalities that have retained original jurisdiction. In certain of the jurisdictions in which they operate, CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses have annual rate adjustment mechanisms that provide for changes in rates dependent upon certain changes in invested capital or actual margins realized.

For a discussion of certain of CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses' ongoing regulatory proceedings, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Regulatory Matters" in Item 7 of Part II of this report, which discussion is incorporated herein by reference.

**Department of Transportation (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)**

CenterPoint Energy and CERC are subject to regulation by PHMSA under the NGPSA and the HLPSA. The NGPSA delegated to PHMSA through DOT the authority to regulate gas pipelines. The HLPSA delegated to PHMSA through DOT the authority to develop, prescribe and enforce federal safety standards for the transportation of hazardous liquids by pipeline. Every four years PHMSA is up for reauthorization by the U.S. Congress and with that reauthorization comes changes to the legislative requirements that the U.S. Congress sets forth for the oversight of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines. In 2020, the PIPES Act was enacted. The PIPES Act reauthorized PHMSA through 2023 and imposed a few new mandates on the agency. The law establishes a PHMSA technology pilot, authorizes a new idled pipe operating status and contains process protections for operators during PHMSA enforcement proceedings. Section 114 of the PIPES Act is a self-mandating rule for natural gas pipeline operations like CERC's that focuses on processes and procedures to eliminate or reduce emissions during normal operations. Further, Section 113 of the PIPES Act directed PHMSA to develop regulations to require natural gas pipeline operators to implement leak detection and repair programs, as well as requirements for mitigating emissions in operations. The PIPES Act of 2023 was approved by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on December 6, 2023 to reauthorize PHMSA's safety programs for the next four years. Final versions of the Section 113 Leak Detection and Repair, and Safety of Natural Gas Distribution Pipelines, 2020 PIPES Act rules remain frozen until a Department of Transportation appointee can review and proceed further.

In January 2021, PHMSA published a final rule amending the federal Pipeline Safety Regulations to ease regulatory burdens on the construction, operation, and maintenance of gas transmission, distribution, and gathering systems.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC anticipate that compliance with PHMSA's regulations, performance of the remediation activities by CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses and intrastate pipelines, and verification of records on maximum allowable operating pressure will continue to require increases in both capital expenditures and operating costs. The level of expenditures will depend upon several factors, including age, location and operating pressures of the facilities. In particular, the cost of compliance with the DOT's integrity management rules will depend on integrity testing and the repairs found to be necessary by such testing. Changes to the amount of pipe subject to integrity management, whether by expansion of the definition of the type of areas subject to integrity management procedures or of the applicability of such

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procedures outside of those defined areas, may also affect the costs incurred. Implementation by PHMSA of the PIPES Act, in particular the final rule implementing Section 113, acts reauthorizing PHMSA or other future acts may result in other regulations or the reinterpretation of existing regulations that could impact compliance costs. In addition, CenterPoint Energy and CERC may be subject to the DOT's enforcement actions and penalties if they fail to comply with pipeline regulations.

**ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS**

The following discussion is based on environmental matters in the Registrants' businesses as of December 31, 2025. The Registrants' operations are subject to stringent and complex laws and regulations pertaining to the environment. As an owner or operator of natural gas pipelines, distribution systems and storage, electric transmission and distribution systems, steam electric and renewable generation systems and the facilities that support these systems, the Registrants must comply with these laws and regulations at the federal, state and local levels. These laws and regulations can restrict or impact the Registrants' business activities in many ways, including, but not limited to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• restricting the way the Registrants can handle or dispose of wastes, including wastewater discharges and air emissions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• limiting or prohibiting construction activities in sensitive areas such as wetlands, coastal regions or areas inhabited by endangered species;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• requiring remedial action and monitoring to mitigate environmental conditions caused by the Registrants' operations or attributable to former operations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• enjoining the operations of facilities with permits issued pursuant to such environmental laws and regulations; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• impacting the demand for the Registrants' services by directly or indirectly affecting the use or price of fossil fuels, including, but not limited to, natural gas.

To comply with these requirements, the Registrants may need to spend substantial amounts and devote other resources from time to time to, among other activities:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• construct or acquire new facilities and equipment;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• acquire permits for facility operations or purchase emissions allowances;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• modify, upgrade or replace existing and proposed equipment; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• decommission or remediate waste management areas, fuel storage facilities and other locations.

Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may trigger a variety of administrative, civil and criminal enforcement measures, including the assessment of monetary penalties, revocation of permits, the imposition of remedial actions and monitoring and the issuance of orders enjoining future operations. Certain environmental statutes impose strict, joint and several liability for costs required to assess, clean up and restore sites where hazardous substances have been stored, disposed or released. Moreover, it is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and/or property damage allegedly caused by the release of hazardous substances or other waste products into the environment.

Our obligations associated with these requirements change as administrations change and as legislatures and regulators pass new laws and regulations and amend existing ones. Therefore, it is difficult to project future costs of compliance and their impact on competition. There can be no assurance as to the amount or timing of future expenditures for environmental compliance or remediation and monitoring, and actual future expenditures may be different from the amounts currently anticipated. The Registrants try to anticipate future regulatory requirements that might be imposed and plan accordingly to maintain compliance with changing environmental laws and regulations.

Based on current regulatory requirements and interpretations, the Registrants do not believe that compliance with federal, state or local environmental laws and regulations will have a material adverse effect on their business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, the Registrants believe that their current environmental remediation activities will not materially interrupt or diminish their operational ability. The Registrants cannot provide assurances that future events, such as changes in existing laws, the promulgation of new laws, or the development or discovery of new facts or conditions will not cause them to incur significant costs. The following is a discussion of material current environmental issues, laws and regulations that relate to the Registrants' operations. The Registrants believe that they are in substantial compliance with these environmental laws and regulations.

**GHG Emissions and Climate Change-Related Regulation and Compliance *(CenterPoint Energy)***

The issue of climate change has received focus at the state, federal and international level. As a result, from time to time, regulatory agencies have considered the modification of existing laws or regulations or the adoption of new laws or regulations addressing the emissions of GHG and other climate change-related matters on the state, federal or international level. On

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January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement (which took effect on January 27, 2026), marking a significant shift in U.S. climate policy; on January 7, 2026, it was announced that the United States will withdraw from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, a treaty that underpins international efforts on global climate; and on February 12, 2026, the EPA announced the finalization of a rule repealing the Endangerment Finding (defined below) as it relates to new motor vehicles. Accordingly, our obligations associated with GHG emissions and climate change-related matters change as administrations change and as legislatures and regulators pass new laws and regulations and amend existing ones.

The EPA released its initial GHG regulation for fossil fuel-fired electric generating units in 2015. In April 2024, the EPA finalized the current New Source Performance Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from New, Modified, Reconstructed Fossil Fuel-Fired Units; and Repeal of the Affordable Clean Energy Rule, which applies new GHG performance standards for those existing coal-fired power plants expected to continue operation beyond December 31, 2029. The rule is currently being challenged by a variety of stakeholders in litigation before the Circuit Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. In October 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to stay the implementation of the rule while the rule is on judicial review. However, on June 17, 2025, the EPA proposed a rule to repeal GHG emission standards for fossil fuel-fired electric generating units, or in the alternative, to repeal a narrower set of requirements, including the emission guidelines for existing fossil fuel-fired steam electric generating units, the carbon capture and sequestration/storage (CCS)-based standards for coal-fired steam generating units undertaking a large modification and the CCS-based standards for new base load stationary combustion turbines. Additionally, the IRA established the Methane Emissions Reduction Program, which imposes a charge on methane emissions from certain natural gas transmission facilities, the rules for which were finalized on November 18, 2024. However, on March 14, 2025, President Trump signed a Congressional Review Act resolution disapproving the EPA's final rule, thereby prohibiting the rule from taking effect, and the OBBBA postponed the imposition of the methane emissions charge to 2034. On September 16, 2025, the EPA proposed a rule to end the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program ("GHGRP") for all sectors except petroleum and natural gas systems (excluding reporting for natural gas distribution, which would also be eliminated under the proposed rule). Reporting for petroleum and natural gas systems under the GHGRP would be deferred until 2034 under the proposal. On February 12, 2026, the EPA announced the repeal of the 2009 "Endangerment Finding" under the Clean Air Act, which found that GHG emissions endanger the public health and welfare of current and future generations and that emissions of GHGs from motor vehicles contribute to GHG pollution. The repeal calls into question the EPA's authority to regulate GHG emissions, as well as the EPA's prior scientific assessment of climate change risks. Litigation regarding the repeal is anticipated and it is unclear how the repeal will impact the EPA's regulation of GHG emissions going forward. On March 6, 2024, the SEC adopted final rules to require disclosure of certain climate-related information in registration statements and annual reports. Litigation challenging the rule was filed by multiple parties in multiple jurisdictions, which have been consolidated and assigned to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. On September 12, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals issued an order to hold the petitions challenging the climate disclosure rules in abeyance pending further action by the SEC.

CenterPoint Energy has adopted energy transition goals. Because Texas is an unregulated market, CenterPoint Energy's Scope 2 emissions estimates do not take into account Texas electric transmission and distribution assets in the line loss calculation and, in addition, exclude emissions related to purchased power in Indiana between 2024 and 2026 as estimated. CenterPoint Energy's Scope 3 emissions estimates are based on the total natural gas supply delivered to residential and commercial customers as reported in the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Form EIA-176 reports and do not take into account the emissions of transport customers and emissions related to upstream extraction. These energy transition goals are expected to be used to position CenterPoint Energy to comply with regulatory requirements from any future administrations to further reduce GHG emissions. For more information regarding CenterPoint Energy's energy transition goals and their related risks, see "Risk Factors — Risk Factors Affecting Regulatory, Environmental and Legal Risks — CenterPoint Energy is subject to operational and financial risks ..." CenterPoint Energy's energy transition goals are aligned with Indiana Electric's generation transition plan and are expected to position Indiana Electric to comply with future regulatory requirements related to GHG emissions reductions. Houston Electric, in contrast to some electric utilities including Indiana Electric, does not generate electricity, other than through TEEEF, and thus is not directly exposed to the risk of high capital costs and regulatory uncertainties that face electric utilities that burn fossil fuels to generate electricity. Nevertheless, Houston Electric's and Indiana Electric's revenues could be adversely affected to the extent any resulting regulatory action has the effect of reducing consumption of electricity by ultimate consumers within their respective service territories. Likewise, incentives to conserve energy or to use energy sources other than natural gas could result in a decrease in demand for the Registrants' services. Further, our third-party suppliers, vendors and partners may also be impacted by climate change laws and regulations, which could impact CenterPoint Energy's business by, among other things, causing permitting and construction delays, project cancellations or increased project costs passed on to CenterPoint Energy. Conversely, regulatory actions that effectively promote the consumption of natural gas because of its lower emissions characteristics relative to other fossil fuels would be expected to benefit CenterPoint Energy and CERC and their natural gas-related businesses. At this time, however, we cannot quantify the magnitude of the impacts from possible new regulatory actions related to GHG emissions, either positive or negative, on the Registrants' businesses.

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Compliance costs and other effects associated with climate change, reductions in GHG emissions and obtaining renewable energy sources remain uncertain. Significant changes in policy due to administration change can create regulatory uncertainty. For example, the repeal of the Endangerment Finding could lead to a patchwork of conflicting state superfund laws and state regulation relating to climate change and GHG emissions. Although the amount of compliance costs remains uncertain, any new regulation or legislation relating to climate change will likely result in an increase in compliance costs. For example, CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's revenues, operating costs and capital requirements could be adversely affected as a result of any regulatory action that would require installation of new control technologies or a modification of their operations or would have the effect of reducing the consumption of natural gas. While the requirements of a federal or state rule remain uncertain, CenterPoint Energy will continue to monitor regulatory activity regarding GHG emission standards that may affect its business. Currently, CenterPoint Energy does not purchase carbon credits. In connection with its energy transition goals, CenterPoint Energy expects to purchase carbon credits in the future; however, CenterPoint Energy does not currently expect the number of credits, or cost for those credits, to be material.

**Air Emissions**

The Registrants' operations are subject to the federal Clean Air Act and comparable state laws and regulations. These laws and regulations regulate emissions of air pollutants from various industrial sources, including electric generating facilities and natural gas processing plants and compressor stations, and also impose various monitoring and reporting requirements. Such laws and regulations may require pre-approval for the construction or modification of certain projects or facilities expected to produce air emissions or result in the increase of existing air emissions. The Registrants may be required to obtain and strictly comply with air permits containing various emissions and operational limitations, or utilize specific emission control technologies to limit emissions. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in monetary penalties, injunctions, conditions or restrictions on operations, and potentially criminal enforcement actions. The Registrants may be required to incur certain capital expenditures in the future for air pollution control equipment in connection with obtaining and maintaining operating permits and approvals for air emissions.

**Water Discharges**

The Registrants' operations are subject to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, as amended, also known as the Clean Water Act, and analogous state laws and regulations. These laws and regulations impose detailed requirements and strict controls regarding the discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States. The unpermitted discharge of pollutants, including discharges resulting from a spill or leak incident, is prohibited. The Clean Water Act and regulations implemented thereunder also prohibit discharges of dredged and fill material into wetlands and other waters of the United States unless authorized by an appropriately issued permit. Any unpermitted release of petroleum or other pollutants from the Registrants' pipelines or facilities could result in fines or penalties as well as significant remedial obligations.

***Waters of the United States***

On May 25, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision limiting the scope of federal jurisdiction over wetlands in the case of *Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency*, and on August 29, 2023, the EPA issued a final rule that sought to conform with the U.S. Supreme Court decision. As a result of ongoing rulemaking litigation, the Registrants' operations in all states with the exception of Minnesota fall under the pre-2015 regulatory regime consistent with the Supreme Court decision in *Sackett*, while operations in Minnesota fall under the 2023 rule, as amended. However, on November 17, 2025, the EPA announced a proposed rule that seeks to further clarify the definition of "Waters of the United States." CenterPoint Energy is unable to predict the outcome of current or future litigation or regulatory proceedings, but does not expect a material impact on its operations relating to these rules. CenterPoint Energy will continue to monitor regulatory and legal developments relating to the Clean Water Act that may affect its business.

***ELG***

In 2015, the EPA finalized revisions to the existing steam electric wastewater discharge standards, which set more stringent wastewater discharge limits and effectively prohibited further wet disposal of coal ash in ash ponds. In February 2019, the IURC approved Indiana Electric's ELG Compliance Plan for its F.B. Culley Generating Station, which was completed in compliance with the requirements of ELG. On April 25, 2024, the EPA released its final Supplemental ELG and Standards for the Steam Electric Generating Point Source Category, and on December 31, 2025, the EPA published its final rule further extending the applicable compliance deadlines. The Registrants currently anticipate that they will be in compliance with the Supplemental ELG Guidelines and any extensions thereto at the Culley facility due to previous wastewater treatment upgrades.

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***Cooling Water Intake Structures***

Section 316 of the federal Clean Water Act requires steam electric generating facilities use "best technology available" to minimize adverse environmental impacts on a body of water. In May 2014, the EPA finalized a regulation requiring installation of "best technology available" to mitigate impingement and entrainment of aquatic species in cooling water intake structures. Indiana Electric has completed the required ecological studies and anticipates timely compliance at its F.B. Culley facility in accordance with deadlines to be established by IDEM.

**Hazardous Waste**

The Registrants' operations generate wastes, including some hazardous wastes, that are subject to the federal RCRA, and comparable state laws, which impose detailed requirements for the handling, storage, treatment, transport and disposal of hazardous and solid waste. RCRA currently exempts many natural gas gathering and field processing wastes from classification as hazardous waste. Specifically, RCRA excludes from the definition of hazardous wastewaters produced and other wastes associated with the exploration, development or production of crude oil and natural gas. However, these oil and gas exploration and production wastes are still regulated under state law and the less stringent non-hazardous waste requirements of RCRA. Moreover, ordinary industrial wastes such as paint wastes, waste solvents, laboratory wastes and waste compressor oils may be regulated as hazardous waste. The transportation of natural gas in pipelines may also generate some hazardous wastes that would be subject to RCRA or comparable state law requirements.

***Coal Ash***

In 2015, the EPA finalized the CCR Rule. Indiana Electric historically operated three ash ponds, two at the F.B. Culley facility (Culley East and Culley West) and one at the A.B. Brown facility; these ash ponds are no longer in operation. Both the Culley East and A.B. Brown facility have been taken out of service and closure activities continue. The Culley West pond closure activities were completed in December 2020. For further discussion about Indiana Electric's ash ponds, see Note 14(c) to the consolidated financial statements.

On April 25, 2024, the EPA released its final Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System; Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals from Electric Utilities; Legacy CCR Surface Impoundments rule (CCR Legacy Rule), which was published in the federal register in May 2024. The CCR Legacy Rule requires companies to investigate previously closed impoundments that were used historically for ash disposal or locations which have had ash placed on them in amounts set forth in the CCR Legacy Rule. The Registrants have completed their preliminary review of potential sites that will require further investigation under the CCR Legacy Rule and identified certain sites in Indiana for further evaluation. For further discussion about Indiana Electric's sites identified pursuant to the CCR Legacy Rule, see Note 14(c) to the consolidated financial statements.

**Liability for Remediation**

CERCLA, also known as "Superfund," and comparable state laws impose liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, on certain classes of persons responsible for the release of "hazardous substances" into the environment. Classes of PRPs include the current and past owners or operators of sites where a hazardous substance was released and companies that disposed or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances at offsite locations such as landfills. Although petroleum, as well as natural gas, is expressly excluded from CERCLA's definition of a "hazardous substance," in the course of the Registrants' ordinary operations they do, from time to time, generate wastes that may fall within the definition of a "hazardous substance." CERCLA authorizes the EPA and, in some cases, third parties, to take action in response to threats to the public health or the environment and to recover the costs they incur from the responsible classes of persons. Under CERCLA, the Registrants could potentially be subject to joint and several liability for the costs of cleaning up and restoring sites where hazardous substances have been released, for damages to natural resources, and for associated response and assessment costs, including for the costs of certain health studies.

**Liability for Preexisting Conditions**

For information about preexisting environmental matters, see Note 14(c) to the consolidated financial statements.

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**HUMAN CAPITAL**

CenterPoint Energy believes its employees are its greatest asset, and their unique skills, knowledge, experience and backgrounds are critical to safely and reliably delivering electricity and natural gas to CenterPoint Energy's customers across its service territories. CenterPoint Energy's core values—safety, integrity, accountability, initiative and respect—guide how it makes decisions and provide the foundation for a strong culture of ethics where employees are responsible for upholding these values and following CenterPoint Energy's Ethics and Compliance Code.

The following table sets forth the number of employees by Registrant and reportable segment as of December 31, 2025:

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number of Employees** | **Number of Employees** | **Number of Employees** | **Number of Employees Represented by Collective Bargaining Groups** | **Number of Employees Represented by Collective Bargaining Groups** | **Number of Employees Represented by Collective Bargaining Groups** |
|<br>**Reportable Segment** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| Electric | 3516 | 3153 |  | 1896 | 1705 |  |
| Natural Gas | 3259 |  | 2984 | 1703 |  | 1613 |
| Corporate and Other (1) | 2019 |  |  | 113 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | 8794 | 3153 | 2984 | 3712 | 1705 | 1613 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Employees in the Corporate and Other reportable segment provide services to the Electric and Natural Gas reportable segments and the costs of these services have been charged directly to the Electric and Natural Gas reportable segments using assignment methods that management believes are reasonable. For further information, see Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements.

CenterPoint Energy's workforce includes 3,712 employees represented by collective bargaining agreements. For information about the status of collective bargaining agreements, see Note 8(j) to the consolidated financial statements.

***Talent Attraction, Development and Retention.*** CenterPoint Energy's human capital priorities include attracting, retaining and developing high performing talent through its talent management activities. CenterPoint Energy endeavors to attract quality candidates through its recruitment and selection processes. CenterPoint Energy seeks to recruit qualified employees regardless of race, gender, color, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, or physical or mental disability. The CenterPoint Energy talent acquisition team engages with college campuses to create awareness of opportunities in engineering, finance and technical occupations, and maintains relationships with student organizations across CenterPoint Energy's service territories. CenterPoint Energy also maintains internship and apprenticeship programs that are designed to provide real-world experience, training and mentoring to interns and apprentices. Additionally, CenterPoint Energy works with other energy utility companies, associations, unions, educators and business partners to support workforce readiness and long-term talent development in the energy industry.

CenterPoint Energy's strategy to attract, retain and develop its employees combines talent discussions and succession planning as essential elements of workforce planning and development. To support its commitment to delivering electricity and natural gas safely and reliably, CenterPoint Energy focuses on the continued development of its greatest assets, its employees, to build a sustainable leadership pipeline. To meet the business' future needs, CenterPoint Energy's goal is to create great leaders capable of developing their employees, while supporting the business' goals and maintaining a high-performing workforce through employee engagement and workplace culture. CenterPoint Energy has a number of tools for leadership and employee development that expand opportunities available to employees. For example, CenterPoint Energy maintains a corporate university that offers a variety of content and resources to employees, including instructor-led and on-demand learning, to help meet employees' needs for professional, leadership and business unit-specific development. Additionally, CenterPoint Energy conducts regular talent discussions, including succession planning with various levels of leadership, to provide business continuity and identify its future leaders and opportunities. CenterPoint Energy invests in employee development throughout the year to align individual performance to business needs, drive development planning and support career progression. CenterPoint Energy's progress is reviewed regularly for continued improvement.

***Engagement.*** CenterPoint Energy is dedicated to advancing an open and high-performing work environment where business results are achieved through the experience, skills, abilities and talents of the whole workforce. CenterPoint Energy aims to create a workplace where every employee is engaged, aligned with our values, strategy, goals and priorities, and understands how each person contributes to CenterPoint Energy's long-term performance. In 2025, CenterPoint Energy's senior leadership team conducted an employee engagement survey and held quarterly town hall meetings with employees to share key company updates, with employees across CenterPoint Energy participating in person or via video conference.

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***Compensation and Benefits.*** CenterPoint Energy is committed to providing its employees with competitive pay and benefits. Its compensation philosophy is to maintain employee total compensation that is competitive with the relevant markets, internally equitable, and based on company and individual performance. CenterPoint Energy expects that this will enable it to attract, motivate and retain employees with the skills and competencies necessary to achieve its business strategy. In addition to competitive compensation, CenterPoint Energy provides its employees with a comprehensive benefits package designed to help employees stay healthy, care for their families, plan for the future and enjoy peace of mind. The benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability and accidental insurance coverage; retirement, company match savings plans; paid time off, parental leave, wellness and employee assistance programs. The employee wellness resources encompass support for mental, financial and physical health.

**INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS**

**(as of February 13, 2026)**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Age** | **Title** |
| Jason P. Wells | 48 | Chair of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer |
| Christopher A. Foster | 47 | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
| Monica Karuturi | 47 | Executive Vice President and General Counsel |
| Jason M. Ryan | 50 | Executive Vice President, Regulatory Services and Government Affairs |
| Jesus Soto, Jr. | 58 | Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer |

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**Jason P. Wells** has served as Chair of the Board since October 8, 2025, and as President and Chief Executive Officer of CenterPoint Energy and a member of the Board since January 5, 2024. Previously he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of CenterPoint Energy from May 2023 to January 2024; as President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of CenterPoint Energy from January 2023 to May 2023; and as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CenterPoint Energy from September 2020 to December 2022. Prior to joining CenterPoint Energy, Mr. Wells served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of PG&E Corporation, a publicly traded electric utility holding company serving customers in Northern and Central California through its subsidiary Pacific Gas and Electric Company, from June 2019 to September 2020. He previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of PG&E Corporation from January 2016 to June 2019 and as Vice President, Business Finance of Pacific Gas and Electric Company from August 2013 to January 2016. PG&E Corporation filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy on January 29, 2019 and successfully emerged from bankruptcy on July 1, 2020. He also served in various finance and accounting roles of increasing responsibility at Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Mr. Wells earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree in accounting, both from the University of Florida. He is a certified public accountant (inactive). Mr. Wells serves on the Executive Committee and Board for the Greater Houston Partnership, the Advisory Board of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University, and the Boards of Central Houston, Inc., M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Performing Arts Houston and the United Way of Greater Houston.

**Christopher A. Foster** has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CenterPoint Energy since May 2023. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of PG&E Corporation, a publicly traded electric utility holding company serving customers in Northern and Central California through its subsidiary Pacific Gas and Electric Company, from March 2021 to May 2023. He previously served in various positions of increasing responsibilities at PG&E since 2011, including as Vice President and Interim Chief Financial Officer from September 2020 to March 2021, and Vice President, Treasury and Investor Relations from March 2020 to September 2020. PG&E Corporation filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy on January 29, 2019 and successfully emerged from bankruptcy on July 1, 2020. He earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University. Mr. Foster serves on the Board of Exploratorium, a San Francisco-based science and technology museum, as well as the Board of Directors of the Houston Parks Board.

**Monica Karuturi** has served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of CenterPoint Energy since January 2022. She previously served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel from July 2020 to January 2022; as Vice President and Deputy General Counsel from April 2019 to July 2020; as Vice President and Associate General Counsel - Corporate and Securities from October 2015 to April 2019; and as Associate General Counsel - Corporate from September 2014 to October 2015. Prior to joining CenterPoint Energy, Ms. Karuturi served as counsel for LyondellBasell Industries for corporate and finance matters and strategic transactions. Ms. Karuturi earned her bachelor's degree from Brown University, master's degree in health policy and management from Columbia University, and juris doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center. Ms. Karuturi was appointed as a Commissioner of the Texas Access to Justice Commission by the Texas Supreme Court in June 2015 and served in this capacity until June 2021. She was also appointed as Chair of the Houston Bar Foundation in 2021 and served until December 2024. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Nextpower Inc. and the Houston Zoo.

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**Jason M. Ryan** has served as Executive Vice President, Regulatory Services and Government Affairs of CenterPoint Energy since January 2022. He previously served as Senior Vice President, Regulatory Services and Government Affairs from July 2020 to January 2022; as Senior Vice President and General Counsel from April 2019 to July 2020; as Senior Vice President, Regulatory and Government Affairs from February 2019 to April 2019; as Vice President of Regulatory and Government Affairs and Associate General Counsel from March 2017 to February 2019; and as Vice President and Associate General Counsel from September 2014 to March 2017. He was appointed to the Texas Diabetes Council by Texas Governor Perry in 2013 for a term ending in 2019, and he has since been reappointed by Texas Governor Abbott twice (most recently in 2025 for a term ending in 2031). Mr. Ryan earned his bachelor's degree from the Texas McCombs School of Business and juris doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law. Mr. Ryan currently serves on the boards of the Lone Star Flight Museum and the Association of Electric Companies of Texas. He also serves on the executive committee of the legal committee of the American Gas Association.

**Jesus Soto, Jr.** has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer of CenterPoint Energy since August 2025. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President, Utility Performance Solutions of Quanta Services, Inc., a publicly-traded energy infrastructure services company, from October 2023 to August 2025. He previously served as the Chief Operating Officer for Mears Group, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Quanta Services, Inc., from September 2019 to September 2023, and as Senior Vice President of Gas Operations for PG&E Corporation, a publicly traded electric utility holding company serving customers in Northern and Central California through its subsidiary Pacific Gas and Electric Company, from May 2012 to July 2019. Prior to joining PG&E Corporation, he served as Vice President of Operations Services and Vice President of Engineering and Construction for the Pipeline Group of El Paso Corporation, a former publicly traded natural gas and related energy products provider. Mr. Soto earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at El Paso, his master's degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University, and his master's degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. Mr. Soto serves on the Board of Directors of GTI Energy, an energy technology development and training company, and as Chair of the Industry Pipeline Safety Management Systems Team of the American Petroleum Institute.

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**Item 1A.*Risk Factors***

CenterPoint Energy is a holding company that conducts all of its business operations through subsidiaries, primarily Houston Electric, CERC and SIGECO. The following, along with any additional legal proceedings identified or incorporated by reference in Item 3 of this combined report on Form 10-K, summarizes the principal risk factors associated with the holding company and the businesses conducted by its subsidiaries. However, additional risks and uncertainties either not presently known or not currently believed by management to be material may also adversely affect CenterPoint Energy's businesses. For other factors that may cause actual results to differ from those indicated in any forward-looking statement or projection contained in this combined report on Form 10-K, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Certain Factors Affecting Future Earnings" in Item 7, which should be read in conjunction with the risk factors contained in this Item 1A. Carefully consider each of the risks described below, including those relating to Houston Electric, LLC and CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp., which, along with CenterPoint Energy, Inc., are collectively referred to as the Registrants. Unless the context indicates otherwise, where appropriate, information relating to a specific Registrant has been segregated and labeled as such and specific references to Houston Electric and CERC in this section also pertain to CenterPoint Energy. In this combined report on Form 10-K, the terms "our," "we" and "us" are used as abbreviated references to CenterPoint Energy, Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries.

**Risk Factors Affecting Operations**

***<u>Electric Transmission, Distribution and Generation (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric)</u>***

***Disruptions at third-party or Indiana Electric's power generation facilities, generation inadequacy, directives issued by regulatory authorities or other matters could cause interruptions in Houston Electric's and Indiana Electric's ability to provide transmission and distribution services and Houston Electric and Indiana Electric may not be able to promptly respond, repair and restart their facilities, which could adversely affect their businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.***

Houston Electric owns the transmission and distribution infrastructure in its service territory that delivers electric power to its customers, but it does not own or operate any bulk power generation facilities. Indiana Electric owns and operates power generation facilities in addition to the transmission and distribution infrastructure in its service territory. Both Houston Electric and Indiana Electric must follow the directives issued by their independent system operator, ERCOT and MISO, respectively. ERCOT and MISO have in the past and may in the future issue directives requiring members to implement controlled outages as a result of an emergency or reliability issues. Houston Electric has faced and may in the future face challenges to its planning and preparation for such directives and its implementation of Load Shed, including, for example, allegations that it had discretion as to how to Load Shed and which customers experienced outages and the duration of those outages. As a result, claims and lawsuits could be filed against CenterPoint Energy for personal injury, property damage or other damage or loss as a result of its Load Shed planning, preparation, implementation, and decisions in order to meet the directives of ERCOT and MISO, respectively. For example, during the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, the ERCOT regulated Texas electric system experienced an unprecedented power generation shortage as the amount of electricity generated by the state's power generation companies was insufficient to meet the amount demanded by customers. This resulted in ERCOT directing TDUs to significantly Load Shed, which caused customer outages across the ERCOT electric grid of Texas, including in Houston Electric's service territory. CenterPoint Energy received various claims and lawsuits with respect to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, alleging, among other things, wrongful death, personal injury, property damage and other injuries and damages. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements and "— Houston Electric's use of TEEEF ..." for further information. If power generation capacity is severely disrupted or is inadequate for any reason in the future or in the event of significant system disturbances, Houston Electric's or Indiana Electric's transmission and distribution services may be diminished, interrupted or halted, which could lead to prolonged customer outages, and Houston Electric and Indiana Electric may not be able to promptly repair and restart their facilities, which could adversely affect our businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Further, as with the lawsuits filed in the aftermath of the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, claims and lawsuits could be filed against the Registrants, which could also adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Additionally, Indiana Electric's generating facilities are subject to operational risks, and Houston Electric and Indiana Electric are subject to risk relating to the generating facilities that supply the power transmitted by Houston Electric and Indiana Electric; these risks have in the past and may in the future result in service interruptions and unscheduled outages, unanticipated operation and maintenance expenses, reputational harm and increased purchase power costs. For example, in June 2022, F.B. Culley Unit 3, a coal-fired generation unit, experienced a boiler feed pump turbine failure that caused the unit to be out of service for nearly nine months. In this time frame, CenterPoint Energy purchased energy on the open market. Such open market purchases have and may again result in increased costs and have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Further, Indiana Electric is party to a number of PPAs with third parties. Indiana Electric's

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operations may be disrupted or otherwise insufficient if third parties do not deliver required power under our PPAs. These risks can arise from circumstances such as facility shutdowns or malfunctions due to equipment failure or operator or other human error; aging infrastructure; interruption of fuel supply or increased prices of fuel as a result of, among other things, contract expirations, inflation and/or tariffs; disruptions in the production or delivery of electricity; inability to comply with regulatory or permit requirements; governmental action; labor disputes; severe weather; natural disasters; or cyberattacks, all of which could adversely affect Indiana Electric's and Houston Electric's businesses, including their financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Further, Indiana Electric currently relies on coal for a portion of its generation capacity. Indiana Electric purchases the majority of its coal supply, and in 2025 purchased all of its coal supply, from a single, unrelated party and, although the coal supply is under long-term contract, the loss of this supplier or transportation interruptions could adversely affect its ability to deliver electricity to its customers and adversely impact Indiana Electric's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Future labor shortages in the coal industry as well as coal supply shortages (such as those experienced by Indiana Electric in 2021 and part of 2022), may lead to increased cost and have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Further, as Indiana Electric's generating facilities may experience unanticipated disruptions as a result of renewable supply shortages, including, but not limited to, unfavorable wind and solar conditions such as cloudy or windless days, and such disruptions could adversely affect its ability to deliver electricity to its customers and adversely impact Indiana Electric's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The operations of Houston Electric and Indiana Electric are subject to the usual hazards associated with electricity transmission and distribution, including inclement or severe weather, natural disasters, including wildfires, mechanical failure, contact with electrified facilities by people, equipment, and debris, unscheduled downtime, equipment interruptions, loss or outage of key technology platforms or systems, contamination, remediation, explosions, fires, chemical spills, discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances and other environmental risks. Such hazards can cause personal injury and loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of property and equipment, including loss of transmission and distribution lines and related equipment and environmental damage, and may result in suspension of operations, disruption of service to customers, prolonged outages and the imposition of civil or criminal penalties. For example, in 2024, Hurricane Beryl caused significant damage to Houston Electric's electric delivery system and resulted in a substantial number of its customers being without power, many for extended periods of time. Although CenterPoint Energy currently maintains property and casualty insurance, this insurance is limited in scope and subject to exceptions, conditions and coverage limitations and may not cover the costs associated with potential hazards incident to Houston Electric and Indiana Electric's businesses, and there is no guarantee that the insurance that CenterPoint Energy currently maintains will continue to be available at rates we believe are reasonable.

***Indiana Electric's execution of its generation transition plan is subject to various risks, including timely recovery of capital investments and increased costs and risks related to the timing and cost of development and/or construction of new generation facilities.***

Indiana requires each electric utility to develop and submit an IRP to the IURC every three years, unless extended, that uses economic modeling to consider the costs and risks associated with available resource options to provide reliable, cost effective electric service for the next 20-year period. Indiana Electric has used past IRPs and will continue to use future IRPs to evaluate its mix of generation resources. Indiana Electric engages with the communities it serves, its regulators and third-parties in developing its generation transition plan. Recent IRPs, including the 2025 IRP, have identified preferred portfolios that include a wider mix of generating resources such as coal-fired generation, solar, wind, solar with storage and dispatchable natural gas combustion turbines. While the IURC does not approve or reject Indiana Electric's IRP, the IURC does comment on the IRP. Indiana Electric is required to obtain a CPCN prior to constructing or acquiring generating resources. Indiana Electric also obtains IURC approval of PPAs and demand-side management plans to help support cost recovery.

Indiana Electric must manage several risks associated with its generation transition plan. The IURC may delay providing comments on an IRP, requiring Indiana Electric to either wait for comments or proceed to implement its IRP without IURC comments. The IURC comments may raise concerns with Indiana Electric's IRP that make it difficult to obtain approval of the generation transition plan if not addressed. There is no guarantee that the IURC will approve Indiana Electric's requests to implement part of its generation transition. If Indiana Electric fails to receive IURC approvals necessary to acquire the projects or resources identified in its IRP or if other governmental action is taken with respect to Indiana Electric's generation resources or generation transition plan, Indiana Electric may not be able to implement its generation transition plan in a timely manner or at all. For example, while Indiana Electric's 2025 IRP (similar to previous IRPs) preferred portfolios included the retirement of F.B. Culley Unit 2, a coal-fired generation unit, by the end of 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy issued emergency order 202(c) in December 2025 directing Indiana Electric to continue operating the unit through March 23, 2026. Additionally, changes in how renewable resources are accredited to meet MISO's planning reserve margin requirement have made it less economic to pursue these resources. In connection with its IRPs, Indiana Electric's determinations with respect to the appropriate mix of generation resources may change from plans that were previously announced. For example, while Indiana

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Electric's 2022/2023 IRP recommended the conversion of F.B. Culley Unit 3 from coal to natural gas by 2027, the 2025 IRP re-evaluated this conversion in light of customer affordability concerns, among other things, and deferred the decision regarding F.B. Culley Unit 3's replacement to a future IRP. If Indiana Electric is unable to implement its generation transition plan, it may have an adverse effect on CenterPoint Energy's ability to execute on its energy transition goals, execute on its growth strategy, achieve its financial goals, and otherwise impact its business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Even if a generation project is approved, risks associated with the development or construction of any new generation exist, including new legislation or governmental action restricting or delaying new generation, moratorium legislation, changes to trade practices (including tariffs, bans, retaliatory trade measures taken against the United States or related governmental action), changes to business practice manuals of MISO or corresponding impacts such as interconnection delays (which may be exacerbated by significant new load additions), the ability to procure resources needed to build at a reasonable cost, scarcity of resources and labor, the ability to appropriately estimate costs of new generation, the effects of potential construction delays, project scope changes, and cost overruns, cost of and ability to meet capacity requirements and related customer affordability considerations. For example, due to shifting market dynamics, changing project considerations such as substantial delays in commercial operation dates (due in part to MISO interconnection delays), cost increases and concerns about customer affordability, Indiana Electric terminated several wind and solar projects in 2025. If Indiana Electric is unable to meet its generation needs through development or acquisition of new generation, it would be required to buy the necessary capacity and electricity on the open market. Such open market purchases may result in increased costs and may have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. If we are unable to complete or acquire such generation facilities or resources, or if they do not perform as anticipated, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows may be adversely affected.

***Houston Electric's receivables are primarily concentrated in a small number of REPs, and any delay or default in payments of these receivables could adversely affect Houston Electric's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.***

Houston Electric's receivables from the distribution of electricity are collected from REPs that supply the electricity. As of December 31, 2025, Houston Electric provided electric delivery service to approximately 67 REPs. Adverse conditions, including, but not limited to, the February 2021 Winter Storm Event or other extreme weather (which may result in abnormal power prices), structural problems in the market served by ERCOT, the impact of public health events or similar occurrences, mismanagement by the REPs, inflation or financial difficulties of one or more REPs, have and may in the future impair the ability of these REPs to pay for Houston Electric's services or cause them to delay such payments. Houston Electric depends on these REPs to remit payments on a timely basis. Applicable PUCT regulations significantly limit the extent to which Houston Electric can apply normal commercial terms to otherwise seek credit protection from firms desiring to provide retail electric service in its service territory, and Houston Electric thus remains at risk for payments relating to services provided prior to any shift to another REP or provider of last resort. Houston Electric's PUCT-approved tariff outlines the remedies available to Houston Electric in the event that a REP defaults on amounts owed. Among the remedies available to Houston Electric are seeking recourse against any cash deposit, letter of credit, or surety bond provided by the REP or implementing mutually agreeable terms with the REP. Another remedy is to require that customers be shifted to another REP or a provider of last resort. Houston Electric thus incurs risk for payments related to services provided prior to the shift to another REP or the provider of last resort. A significant portion of Houston Electric's billed receivables from REPs are due from affiliates of NRG and Vistra Energy Corp. Houston Electric's aggregate billed receivables balance from REPs as of December 31, 2025 was $279 million. Approximately 37% and 23% of this amount was owed by affiliates of NRG and Vistra Energy Corp., respectively. Any delay or default in payment by REPs could adversely affect Houston Electric's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. If a REP was 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 regarding prior payments Houston Electric had received from such REP. For example, following the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, multiple REPs filed for bankruptcy. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, as authorized by the PUCT, CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric had a regulatory asset of $7 million and $8 million, respectively for bad debt expenses resulting from REPs' defaults on their obligations to pay delivery charges to Houston Electric, net of collateral and recovery in rates. See "— Rate regulation of the Registrants' electric ..." For further information on certain of Houston Electric's ongoing regulatory proceedings, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Regulatory Matters" in Item 7 of Part II of this report.

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***Houston Electric's use of TEEEF is subject to various risks, potential performance issues and allegations about Houston Electric's procurement and deployment of the resources (including the planning, execution and effectiveness of the same), regulatory and environmental requirements, and timely recovery of capital.***

Following the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, the Texas legislature passed a law to allow TDUs, such as Houston Electric, to lease and temporarily operate TEEEF during widespread power outages where ERCOT has ordered a TDU to Load Shed or the TDU's distribution facilities are not being fully served by the bulk power system under normal operations. In response to this legislation, Houston Electric began leasing large (27 MW to 32 MW) TEEEF and medium (5.7 MW) TEEEF. In 2023, the Texas legislature amended the law to allow wider use of TEEEF, and in response, Houston Electric has entered into contractual arrangements to facilitate access to small (200 kW to 1,250 kW) TEEEF units; the small TEEEF units represent approximately 4% of the MWs of Houston Electric's total portfolio of TEEEF assets. In 2025, following the passage of the TEEEF Rule, Houston Electric requested from the PUCT preapproval to lease small TEEEF units for a three-year term. These proceedings remain ongoing and, until PUCT preapproval is received, Houston Electric plans to maintain the current contractual arrangement providing access to the small TEEEF units on a month-to-month basis. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for further information. Additionally, in June 2025, the law was further amended to provide that, effective on or after the date of the amendment's passage, TDUs may only enter into, renew or extend leases for TEEEF units with a maximum generation capacity of five or fewer MW and that are rapidly deployable. The law prescribes specific and limited use for TEEEF, and Houston Electric's TEEEF have limited generation capacity, such that in future events customers could still be without power despite deployment of TEEEF resources. Additionally, as further described below, the large TEEEF units (which represent approximately 91% of the MWs of Houston Electric's total portfolio of TEEEF assets as of December 31, 2025) were released to the greater San Antonio region as of June 2025 for a contractual term through March 2027 unless terminated earlier in accordance with the provisions of the ERCOT Transaction, and Houston Electric has proposed releasing the medium TEEEF units (which represent approximately 5% of the MWs of Houston Electric's total portfolio of TEEEF assets as of December 31, 2025).

If Houston Electric is unable to deploy sufficient TEEEF resources in time to respond to a particular event (including as a result of releasing TEEEF to third parties or similar transactions as further described below); if TEEEF resources fail to perform, or are perceived to fail to perform, as intended; if Houston Electric is otherwise unable, or perceived as unable, to provide back-up generation resources and restore power (such as in the event of ERCOT issuing a directive requiring TDUs to Load Shed); or if the use of TEEEF resources or their failure to perform causes or is alleged to cause any personal injury, property damage, or other damage or loss due to allegations Houston Electric failed to deploy such units reasonably or effectively and failed to respond to particular power outages, Houston Electric could be subject to claims, demands, litigation, liability, regulatory scrutiny, and loss of reputation and new legislation could be passed making it no longer viable for Houston Electric to lease TEEEF at the same or similar scale that it currently leases such resources or at all. For example, following Hurricane Beryl, various federal, state and local governmental and regulatory agencies and other entities called for or conducted inquiries and investigations into the efforts made by Houston Electric to prepare for, and respond to, this event, including, among other things, Houston Electric's procurement of TEEEF, and certain government officials argued that Houston Electric, rather than ratepayers, should be held responsible for paying approximately $800 million (the amount the PUCT had previously approved Houston Electric to recover from ratepayers relating to Houston Electric's leasing of TEEEF). Ongoing and future inquiries, investigations and proposed legislation regarding Houston Electric's TEEEF could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including with respect to our recovery of costs incurred as a result of Hurricane Beryl or future severe weather events; the assessment of financial penalties; changes to Houston Electric's system, service territories, operations and/or regulatory treatment; and the viability for Houston Electric to continue leasing TEEEF.

In June 2025, Houston Electric entered into the ERCOT Transaction, subject to PUCT approval, to release its large TEEEF units to ERCOT at CPS Energy facilities to serve the greater San Antonio region until March 2027 unless terminated earlier pursuant to the provisions of the ERCOT Transaction, reduce its TEEEF fleet capacity and reduce its rates to reflect the removal of the large TEEEF units from its fleet. Following the completion of service in the San Antonio area, Houston Electric anticipates that it would complete one or more future transactions involving its large TEEEF units; because the TEEEF units would not be available to serve customers during such time, Houston Electric plans to continue to not charge customers for these units for any future periods. Further, in November 2025, Houston Electric proposed to release its medium TEEEF units from its TEEEF fleet and remove the associated lease costs from its rates. Houston Electric also anticipates entering into and receiving revenue from future transactions involving its medium TEEEF units. There can be no assurance that the PUCT will approve the ERCOT Transaction and Houston Electric's proposal to release its medium TEEEF units. If the ERCOT Transaction and/or Houston Electric's proposal to release its medium TEEEF units are not approved, it may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as well as potentially lead to negative consequences from regulatory authorities or other public authorities. Suitable future transactions may not be available on terms and conditions we find acceptable, or the expected benefits of Houston Electric's release of its large and medium TEEEF units

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or any completed future transactions may not be realized fully or at all, or may not be realized in the anticipated timeframe, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Finally, if such transactions are successful and thereby result in Houston Electric having fewer TEEEF units to deploy in its service territory, and conditions occur that could be or are perceived to have the potential to be addressed by Houston Electric's deployment of TEEEF, Houston Electric could be subject to claims, demands, litigation, liability, regulatory scrutiny and loss of reputation.

Despite the recovery of certain TEEEF costs in the past, there can be no assurance that Houston Electric will seek to or be able to recover certain future TEEEF costs or be able to retain those costs previously approved for recovery. For example, in 2024, the TCA filed a complaint with the PUCT requesting that it end the cost recovery and return on investment on Houston Electric's large and medium TEEEF units as previously approved, and these proceedings remain ongoing. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for further information. If Houston Electric is unable to recover or must return any or certain of its TEEEF costs, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows may be adversely affected. Additionally, while Houston Electric has insurance coverage and indemnity rights for its use of TEEEF resources, if its insurers or indemnitors fail to meet their indemnity obligations, Houston Electric could be liable for personal injury, property damage, or other damage or loss. Further, TEEEF resources are subject to various environmental regulations and permitting requirements, which could have an impact on Houston Electric's ability to use these units. If Houston Electric is not in compliance with any environmental regulation or permitting requirement, Houston Electric could be subject to further potential liability. The use of TEEEF is also subject to various other requirements, and failure to comply with them could subject Houston Electric to additional liability as well as challenges to its use of TEEEF in general.

***<u>Natural Gas (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)</u>***

***Access to natural gas supplies and pipeline transmission and storage capacity are essential components of reliable service for our natural gas business customers.***

We depend on third-party service providers to maintain an adequate supply of natural gas and for available storage and intrastate and interstate pipeline capacity to satisfy our customers' needs, all of which are critical to system reliability. Substantially all of our natural gas supply is purchased on intrastate and interstate pipelines. If we are unable to secure an independent natural gas supply of our own or if third-party service providers fail to timely deliver natural gas to meet our requirements, the resulting decrease in natural gas supply in our service territories could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, a significant disruption, whether through reduced intrastate and interstate pipeline transmission or storage deliveries or other events affecting natural gas supply, including, but not limited to, operational failures, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, severe winter weather conditions, wildfires, acts of terrorism, human error or cyberattacks or changes in legislative or regulatory requirements, could also have a negative impact on our businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Further, to the extent that our natural gas requirements cannot be met through access to or continued use of existing natural gas infrastructure or if additional infrastructure, including onshore and offshore exploration and production facilities, gathering and processing systems and pipeline and storage capacity is not constructed at a rate that satisfies demand, then our operations could be negatively affected.

***We are subject to fluctuations in natural gas prices, which could affect the ability of our suppliers and customers to meet their obligations or may impact our operations, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.***

We are subject to risk associated with changes in the price of natural gas. The regional and other markets in which we purchase natural gas are competitive and can be subject to significant pricing volatility as a result of many factors, including inflation, adverse weather conditions, supply and demand changes, availability of competitively priced alternative energy sources, political and geopolitical instability, commodity production levels and storage capacity, energy and environmental legislation and regulations and economic and financial market conditions. The natural gas market has been, and may continue to be, volatile due to growing domestic demand, increased natural gas exports, weather and other factors. Significant increases in natural gas prices, such as those experienced during the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, might affect our ability to collect balances due from customers and could create the potential for uncollectible accounts expense to exceed the recoverable levels built into tariff rates. In addition, a sustained period of high natural gas prices could (i) decrease demand for natural gas in the areas in which we operate, thereby resulting in decreased sales and revenues and (ii) increase the risk that our suppliers or customers fail or are unable to meet their obligations. An increase in natural gas prices would also increase working capital requirements by increasing the investment that must be made to maintain natural gas inventory levels.

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***Our natural gas businesses must compete with alternate energy sources, which could result in less natural gas delivered and have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.***

Our natural gas businesses compete primarily with alternate energy sources such as electricity and other fuel sources. In some areas, intrastate pipelines, other natural gas distributors and natural gas marketers also compete directly with us for natural gas sales to end users. In addition, as a result of federal regulatory changes affecting interstate pipelines, natural gas marketers operating on these pipelines may be able to bypass our facilities and market, sell and/or transport natural gas directly to commercial and industrial customers. Any reduction in the amount of natural gas delivered by us as a result of competition with alternate energy sources may have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

**Risk Factors Affecting Regulatory, Environmental and Legal Risks**

***Rate regulation of the Registrants' electric and natural gas businesses may delay or deny their ability to earn an expected return and fully and timely recover their costs.***

The Registrants' electric and natural gas businesses are regulated by certain municipalities, state commissions and federal agencies, such as FERC. Their rates are set in comprehensive base rate proceedings (i.e., general rate cases) based on an analysis of their invested capital, their expenses and other factors in a designated test year (often either fully or partially historic), subject to periodic review and adjustments. Each of these rate proceedings is subject to third-party intervention and appeal, and the timing of a general base rate proceeding may be out of the Registrants' control. The Registrants can make no assurance that their or their subsidiaries respective base rate proceedings will result in requested or favorable adjustments to their rates, in full and timely cost recovery or approval of other requested items, including, among other things, capital structure and ROE. Moreover, these base rate proceedings have caused in certain instances, and in the future could cause, the Registrants' electric and/or natural gas businesses to recover their investments below their requested levels, below the national average return for utilities or below recently approved return levels for other utilities in their respective jurisdictions. For instance, in the 2024 Houston Electric general rate case, Houston Electric filed a base rate case seeking approval for revenue increases of approximately $60 million and a 10.4% ROE, but pursuant to the final settlement agreement filed with the PUCT, Houston Electric received an overall revenue requirement decrease of approximately $47 million to current revenues and a 9.65% ROE relative to the initial filing. To the extent the regulatory process does not allow the Registrants to make a full and timely recovery of appropriate costs, their businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected. Further, the Registrants or their subsidiaries might be required to implement additional measures, such as the adoption of ring-fencing measures by Houston Electric in connection with its 2019 rate case proceeding. Such additional measures may adversely impact the Registrants' businesses and could have an adverse effect on their businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The rates that Registrants' electric and natural gas businesses are allowed to charge may not match their costs at any given time, a situation referred to as "regulatory lag." Regulatory lag has been and may be exaggerated in the future under certain circumstances, such as increased capital investments that are recovered in arrears. For example, the MPUC ordered extraordinary gas costs incurred in the February 2021 Winter Storm Event be recovered over a 63-month period from 2022 — 2027 and CERC forego recovery of the associated carrying costs. Though several interim rate adjustment mechanisms have been approved by jurisdictional regulatory authorities and implemented by the Registrants and their subsidiaries to reduce the effects of regulatory lag (for example, CSIA, DCRF, DRR, DSMA, GRIP, RCRA, TCOS and TDSIC), such adjustment mechanisms are subject to the applicable regulatory body's approval, which we cannot assure would be approved, and are subject to certain limitations that may reduce or otherwise impede the Registrants' or their subsidiaries ability to adjust their rates or result in rates below those requested. Therefore, the Registrants can make no assurance filings for such mechanisms will result in favorable adjustments to rates or in full cost recovery. Further, from time to time, the Registrants' regulators approve the issuance of system restoration bonds or securitization bonds to facilitate the recovery of certain qualified costs, including costs incurred as a result of severe weather or to recover stranded asset costs. For example, Houston Electric is currently seeking to recover system restoration costs associated with Hurricane Beryl and certain other significant storms through the issuance and sale of non-recourse system restoration bonds. The issuance of system restoration bonds or securitization bonds may be delayed due to regulatory or other actions outside of our control. If the issuance of system restoration bonds or securitization bonds is delayed, we may not be able to recover our costs in a timely manner, which could have an adverse effect on CenterPoint Energy's, CERC's, and Houston Electric's businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Inherent in the regulatory process is some level of risk that jurisdictional regulatory authorities may challenge the reasonableness or prudency of operating expenses incurred or capital investments made by the Registrants or their subsidiaries and deny the full recovery of their cost of service in rates. For example, concerns about customer affordability could cause regulators to approve lesser amounts in ratemaking or cost recovery proceedings. From time to time, reviews and investigations

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have caused in certain instances, and in the future could cause, the Registrants to recover their costs or investments below their requested levels. For example, in October 2022, the MPUC issued a written order disallowing recovery of approximately $36 million of the $409 million originally requested by CERC in connection with its recovery of costs incurred as a result of the February 2021 Winter Storm Event. Notwithstanding the application of such rate adjustment mechanisms, the regulatory process by which rates are determined is subject to change as a result of legislative processes, rulemakings or litigation, as the case may be, and may not always be available or result in rates that will produce recovery of the Registrants' or their subsidiaries' costs or enable them to earn their authorized return. New legislation could be adopted in any of the states in which we operate that could alter the regulatory framework and prevent us from getting timely recovery of our costs and investments. Additionally, changes to the rate case or interim adjustment mechanisms (including the termination of such mechanisms) could result in an increase in regulatory lag or otherwise impact the Registrants' ability to recover their costs in a timely manner. Decisions from regulators are typically subject to appeal, and any such appeal could further exacerbate regulatory lag and lead to additional uncertainty associated with rate case proceedings. The regulatory process may also be adversely affected by the political, regulatory and economic environment and customer affordability concerns in the states in which we operate. We are also affected by the actions of numerous advocacy groups, and success by any such groups in directly or indirectly influencing legislators and regulators could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. To the extent the regulatory process does not allow the Registrants to make a full and timely recovery of appropriate costs, their businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected. For further information on rate case proceedings and interim rate adjustment mechanisms, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Regulatory Matters" in Item 7 of Part II of this report.

The regulated utility businesses, and the energy industry as a whole, have experienced a period of rising costs and investments and an upward trend in spending, especially with respect to infrastructure investments (including those that have already been approved by a regulator). For example, Houston Electric's SRP, which was approved by the PUCT in November 2025, includes twenty-seven resiliency measures totaling approximately $2.68 billion in capital investments and an estimated $185 million in operations and maintenance expense. Rising costs and investments and the upward trend in spending is likely to continue in the foreseeable future and could result in more frequent rate cases and requests for, and the continuation of, cost recovery mechanisms, all of which could result in adverse cost recovery determinations and/or face resistance from customers and other stakeholders, especially in a rising cost environment, whether due to inflation, customer affordability concerns, tariffs or changes to governmental policies and programs, high fuel prices or otherwise, and/or in periods of economic decline or hardship. Significant increases in costs could increase financing needs and otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

***Our successful execution and completion of capital projects and programs, including those within our 10-year capital plan, are subject to substantial risks, and our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially affected should such efforts not be executed and completed as planned.***

We are managing ongoing, and planning future, significant capital projects relating to, among other things, improvements to our electric and natural gas transmission and distribution infrastructure. The execution of our capital projects, including those within our 10-year capital plan, may not be completed in accordance with current expectations or produce the desired results. Our ability to execute and complete our capital projects, including Houston Electric's proposed 765 kV and other transmission projects, in a timely and cost-effective manner and within budget is contingent upon many variables and subject to substantial risks. These variables and risks include, but are not limited to, availability of and costs for materials, equipment, commodities and qualified labor; cost and availability of financing; cost of regulatory compliance; economic and market conditions; regulatory approvals, licensing and permitting; land and easement acquisition (including requirements and constraints relating to eminent domain); regulatory, political, public and community relations risks (including in relation to customer affordability concerns); tax law; our ability to capitalize on business opportunities and such opportunities providing desirable rates of return; load growth (including our forecasts thereof) and our ability to capitalize on opportunities relating thereto; safety and environmental requirements; the ability of third parties to provide timely and satisfactory performance under their contracts; delays and cost increases; and supply chains and material constraints. Certain events that may be beyond our control may occur that materially affect the schedule, cost and performance of these projects, including Houston Electric's proposed 765 kV and other transmission projects. These events may relate to facing public and policymaker opposition to the projects or the real or perceived cost of such projects; delays in obtaining permits; challenges in securing sufficient land/easements for projects (including challenges to our use of eminent domain); shortages in materials and qualified labor; third parties not performing as expected or required under their contracts and/or experiencing financial problems that inhibit their ability to fulfill their obligations under contracts; supply chain delays or disruptions; changes in the scope and timing of projects; strikes; and adverse weather conditions. For example, our failure to capitalize on the opportunities presented by these developments or potential large load customers delaying or cancelling their planned projects could lead to delays or the cancellation of the projects

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included in our 10-year capital plan. Additionally, regulators may investigate the prudence of costs in our rates and examine, among other things, the reasonableness or prudence of our level of expenditures (including costs associated with our capital projects). If we do not execute or complete our capital projects, including those within our 10-year capital plan, in accordance with current expectations or if our capital plan does not produce the desired results, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially affected.

***We face risks related to project siting, financing, construction, permitting, governmental approvals, public opposition, and the negotiation of project development agreements that may impede our development and operating activities.***

Houston Electric, Indiana Electric and CERC own, develop, construct, manage and operate electric transmission, distribution and generation facilities or natural gas distribution facilities, as applicable. A key component of our growth is our ability to construct and operate these facilities. As part of these operations, we must periodically apply for licenses and permits from various local, state, federal and other regulatory authorities and abide by their respective conditions. We have previously experienced delays in receiving approval with regards to certain permits and licenses, and have had investigations and enforcement actions with regards to certain of our projects, which have caused delays to our projects in the past. Our projects, such as in the case of Houston Electric's proposed 765 kV and other transmission projects, have faced and may in the future face opposition from individuals, community organizations, environmental and other activist groups, and other public-interest entities. In the future, these approvals may not be granted in a timely manner (including due to potential staffing issues at U.S. regulatory agencies) or at all or may be modified, rescinded or fail to be extended for a variety of reasons, including due to legal or regulatory changes or political, public and community relations pressure. Should we in the future be unsuccessful in obtaining necessary licenses or permits on acceptable terms or resolving third-party challenges to such licenses or permits, should there be a delay in obtaining or renewing necessary licenses or permits, or should regulatory authorities initiate any associated investigations or enforcement actions or impose related penalties or disallowances, our future net income and cash flows could be reduced and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be impacted. Any failure to negotiate successful project development agreements for new facilities with third parties could also have adverse effects.

***We are involved in numerous legal proceedings, the outcomes of which are uncertain, and resolutions adverse to us could negatively affect our financial results.***

The Registrants are subject to numerous legal proceedings, including lawsuits and environmental matters in addition to regulatory proceedings, the most significant of which are summarized in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties; recent trends have shown jury verdicts, settlements and other liability have been significantly increasing; and the Registrants cannot predict the outcome of all matters with assurance. Additionally, under some circumstances, the Registrants could potentially have claims filed against them or incur liabilities associated with assets and businesses no longer owned by them as a result of sales, divestitures or other transfers to third parties who may be unable to fulfill their indemnity obligations to the Registrants. Final resolution of these matters, or any potential future claims or liabilities, may require additional expenditures over an extended period of time that may be in excess of established insurance or reserves and may have an adverse effect on the Registrants' businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. For further information, see "— Our insurance coverage may not..."

***Customers', investors', legislators', regulators', creditors', rating agencies' and other stakeholders' opinions of us are affected by many factors, including actual or perceived system reliability and safety, the speed of our response to service interruptions, rates and customer affordability, our ability to successfully execute our capital plan, media coverage and actions by third parties, and negative opinions developed by such stakeholders could harm our reputation and have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.***

Our results are influenced by the expectations of our customers, investors, legislators, regulators, creditors, rating agencies and other stakeholders. Those expectations are based, in part, on the actual or perceived reliability, safety and affordability of our utility services. Our actual or perceived ability to prevent, mitigate, prepare for and timely respond to electric outages, natural gas leaks or events and related accidents and similar interruptions caused by severe weather, physical or cybersecurity incidents or other unanticipated events, as well as our own or third parties' actions or failure to act, can affect customer, regulator and legislator satisfaction or potentially subject us to regulatory action and litigation. For example, CenterPoint Energy, CenterPoint Energy Service Company, LLC and Houston Electric are subject to litigation and claims arising out of Hurricane Beryl and various federal, state and local governmental and regulatory agencies and other entities called for or conducted inquiries and investigations into Hurricane Beryl and the efforts made by Houston Electric to prepare for, and respond to, this event, including the associated electric service outage issues. Ongoing and future inquiries, investigations and proposed legislation regarding Hurricane Beryl could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including with respect to our recovery of costs incurred as a result of Hurricane Beryl or future severe weather events; the assessment of financial penalties; changes to Houston Electric's system, service territories, operations and/or

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regulatory treatment; and the viability for Houston Electric to continue leasing TEEEF. The level of rates and actual or perceived affordability of our services, the timing and magnitude of rate increases, and the volatility of rates can also affect the opinions of customers, legislators, regulators and other political figures of us. For example, in 2025, the Governor of Indiana directed the commissioner of the OUCC to evaluate utilities' profits and find cost-saving measures to ease the financial burden on customers. Our ability to successfully execute our capital plan may also affect customers', investors', legislators', regulators', creditors', rating agencies' and other stakeholders' opinions and actions. Opinions of us can additionally be affected by media coverage, including social media, which may include information, whether factual or not, that damages our brand and reputation. Our efforts to secure permits and/or acquire land and easements (including through eminent domain) for infrastructure investments, including with respect to Houston Electric's proposed 765 kV and other transmission projects, as well as execute on and/or obtain regulatory approvals for transmission, generation and other facilities can also affect opinions of us. We are also subject to adverse publicity related to actual or perceived environmental practices or impacts, including in relation to climate change and our ability to timely achieve our energy transition goals, as well as negative opinions regarding the appropriateness of our climate-related goals. If customers, investors, legislators, regulators, creditors, rating agencies or other stakeholders have or develop a negative opinion of us or our utility services, this could result in, among other things, less favorable legislative and regulatory outcomes (including but not limited to failure to obtain requested approvals on capital investments) or increased regulatory oversight, negative effects on our access to, and the cost of, capital, project delays or cancellations, increased litigation and negative public perception. The foregoing may harm our reputation and have adverse effects on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

***We are subject to operational and financial risks and liabilities arising from environmental laws and regulations, including regulation of CCR, climate change legislation and certain local initiatives that seek to limit fossil fuel usage.***

Our operations are subject to stringent and complex laws and regulations pertaining to the environment. As an owner or operator of natural gas pipelines, distribution systems and storage, electric generating facilities and electric transmission and distribution systems, and the facilities that support these systems, we must comply with these laws and regulations at the federal, state and local levels. These laws and regulations can restrict or impact our business activities in many ways, including among others, restricting the use of fossil fuels through future climate legislation or regulation, restricting the use of natural gas-fired appliances in new homes, limiting airborne emissions from generating facilities, restricting the way we manage wastes, including wastewater discharges, air emissions and CCR removal, and requiring remedial action or monitoring to mitigate environmental actions caused by our operations or attributable to former operations. Environmental laws and regulations applicable to our operations are complex and subject to continued uncertainty, and we are subject to risks from changing or conflicting interpretations of existing laws, modifications to existing laws, new laws, and new or modified permit terms. We may need to spend substantial amounts and devote other resources from time to time to comply with these requirements. Further, in the course of operations we have released, and may in the future inadvertently release, various contaminants. Any such releases could have a significant impact on the environment and result in significant fines. Failure to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations may trigger a variety of administrative, civil and criminal enforcement measures, including measures taken by individuals and non-governmental organizations seeking to enforce environmental laws against us or allege a failure to comply with such laws, and could lead to the assessment of monetary penalties, which we have been subject to from time to time, revocation of permits, the imposition of remedial actions, and the issuance of orders enjoining future operations. Certain environmental statutes impose strict joint and several liability for costs required to clean, restore and monitor sites where hazardous substances have been stored, disposed or released. Moreover, it is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the release of hazardous substances or other waste products into the environment.

Regulatory agencies have also adopted, and from time to time consider adopting, new legislation and/or modifying existing laws and regulations to reduce GHGs. There continues to be a wide-ranging policy and regulatory debate, at the state level, nationally and internationally, regarding the possible means for their regulation. Although the United States withdrew from the Paris Agreement in 2026, and more recently the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the current federal administration has revised and is expected to further revise compliance requirements under a number of federal environmental regulatory programs, many states and localities continue to pursue their own climate policies, and differences in energy policy priorities adopted by future federal administrations could result in additional GHG reduction requirements in the United States. As a distributor and transporter of natural gas and electricity, and a generator of electricity in Indiana, the Registrants' revenues, operating costs and capital requirements could be adversely affected as a result of any regulatory action that would require installation of new control technologies or a modification of their operations or that would have the effect of reducing the consumption of natural gas or electricity or prevent the use of certain fuel types. There can be no assurance as to the amount or timing of future expenditures for environmental compliance or remediation, and actual future expenditures may be greater than the amounts we currently anticipate, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Likewise, incentives to conserve energy or use energy sources other than natural gas could result in a

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decrease in demand for our services. For further discussion, see "Business—Environmental Matters" in Item 1 and " —Our natural gas businesses must compete with…"

Evolving investor sentiment related to the use of fossil fuels and initiatives to restrict continued production of fossil fuels may have substantial impacts on our electric generation and natural gas businesses. For example, because Indiana Electric currently relies on coal for a portion of its generation capacity, certain financial institutions may choose not to participate in CenterPoint Energy's financing arrangements until future coal generation closures satisfy their thresholds for investments. Further, some investors choose to not invest in CenterPoint Energy due to CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's use of fossil fuels. Also, certain cities in CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's operational footprint have discussed the adoption of initiatives to prohibit the construction of new natural gas facilities that would provide service and focus on electrification. For example, Minneapolis has adopted carbon emission reduction goals in an effort to decrease reliance on fossil natural gas. Certain state and local governments have also passed, or are considering, legislation banning the use of natural gas-fired appliances in new homes, which could affect consumer use of natural gas. Should such bans be enacted within CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's operational footprint, they could adversely affect consumer demand for natural gas. Any such initiatives and legislation could adversely affect CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Further, certain investors, lenders, regulators and other stakeholders are focusing on issues related to environmental justice, which may result in increased scrutiny of our applicable regulatory processes and additional costs of compliance or may adversely affect our reputation. While President Trump in 2025 signed an executive order calling to terminate all environmental justice offices and positions in the federal government, as well as any environmental justice initiatives, programs or other activities, the focus on environmental justice matters by certain stakeholders may nevertheless provide communities opposed to our operations with greater opportunities to challenge or delay our projects. Opposition to our projects or successful challenges or appeals to permits issued for our projects could result in cancellation of such projects and the loss of investments we have made with respect thereto.

***CenterPoint Energy is subject to operational, financial and other risks and potential liabilities associated with our sustainability and related activities, including the implementation of and efforts to achieve our energy transition goals.***

CenterPoint Energy has adopted energy transition goals and its analysis and plans for execution require it to make a number of assumptions. These goals and underlying assumptions involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees, and our ability to achieve these goals will ultimately be driven by the needs of our business, the needs and desires of the customers, jurisdictions and other stakeholders we serve and our performance for our shareholders. In addition, forecasting is inherently speculative and the trajectory of the greater energy transition is uncertain. Should one or more of CenterPoint Energy's underlying assumptions require updating, our actual results and ability to make progress towards and achieve our energy transition goals and the timing thereof could differ materially from its expectations, and CenterPoint Energy may elect to modify or update such goals. Further, there can be no guarantee that CenterPoint Energy will sustain or achieve these goals. Certain of the assumptions that could impact CenterPoint Energy's ability to meet our energy transition goals and the timing thereof include, but are not limited to: GHG emission levels, service territory size, capacity needs and customer demand remaining in line with CenterPoint Energy's expectations when such goals were announced, including with respect to demand for our services and in relation to the recent sale of CenterPoint Energy's Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses and the announced sale of CenterPoint Energy's Ohio natural gas LDC business; the ability to appropriately estimate and effectively manage business opportunities from and maintain reliability in connection with new customers and load growth resulting from, among other things, expansion of data centers (associated with, among other things, increasing demand for AI), energy refining and exports, advanced manufacturing and logistics in our service territories; regulatory approvals related to Indiana Electric's generation transition plan and our ability to obtain such approvals; the ability to execute anticipated divestitures, portfolio optimizations or other strategic transactions; interconnection delays in the footprints of regional transmission organizations and/or interconnection costs; cost and affordability of customer rates and related concerns; customer demand for GHG emission free or lower GHG emissions energy; impacts of regulations, legislation or other governmental action, including those related to our operation of certain generating facilities (including the U.S. Department of Energy's December 2025 emergency 202(c) order directing Indiana Electric to continue operating F.B. Culley Unit 2 through March 23, 2026), the environment and tax (including the effects of the OBBBA, Executive Order 14315, the IRA and any further changes to or the repeal of the renewable energy tax credits enacted in the IRA); federal and state executive, legislative and regulatory actions (including regulatory uncertainty resulting from changes in federal energy policy) and support for certain types of generation; impacts of future carbon pricing regulation or legislation, including a future carbon tax; price, availability and regulation of carbon offsets; price of fuel, such as natural gas; cost and technological development/innovation, adoption and commercialization of energy generation technologies, such as wind and solar, natural gas and storage solutions, and alternative energy, including electric vehicles; our ability to implement our modernization plans for pipelines and facilities; the ability to complete and timely implement and maintain system reliability during and after transitioning to generation alternatives to

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Indiana Electric's coal generation; execution of the retirement or fuel conversion of Indiana Electric's coal facilities on anticipated timelines or at all; the ability to construct and/or permit new natural gas pipelines; the ability to procure resources needed to build at a reasonable cost, the lack of or scarcity of resources and labor, any project cancellations, construction delays or overruns (including as a result of changes in U.S. or foreign trade policies) and the ability to appropriately estimate costs of new generation; impact of any supply chain disruptions; changes in applicable standards, metrics, methodologies or frameworks; and enhancement of energy efficiencies.

Our businesses have in the past and may in the future face increased scrutiny from investors, governmental authorities and other stakeholders related to our sustainability practices, including our human capital management activities, as well as the goals, targets, and objectives we announce, our methodologies and timelines for pursuing them, our progress towards achieving them and related disclosures. We could also face challenges with managing conflicting requirements and our various stakeholders' expectations. We may be unable to satisfy all of our stakeholders, and to the extent our sustainability practices (including our human capital management activities) do not align with investor or other stakeholder expectations and standards, which continue to evolve, vary, and sometimes conflict, our businesses, including our reputation, ability to attract or retain employees, and attractiveness as an investment or business partner could be negatively affected and we could be exposed to enforcement actions and litigation. Similarly, our failure or perceived failure to pursue, fulfill or demonstrate meaningful progress towards our sustainability-focused goals, targets and objectives, to comply with or otherwise meet ethical, environmental or other standards, regulations or expectations, which may be varied or conflicting, or to satisfy various reporting standards with respect to these matters (including if there are real or perceived inaccuracies in the data and information we report or if we are exposed to allegations that certain public statements regarding sustainability-related matters are false and misleading "greenwashing" campaigns), within the timelines we announce, or at all, could adversely affect our business or reputation, as well as expose us to government enforcement actions and litigation.

Developing and implementing plans for compliance with voluntary climate commitments can lead to additional capital, personnel and operation and maintenance expenditures and could significantly affect the economic position of existing facilities and proposed projects. To the extent that we believe any of these costs are recoverable in rates, cost recovery could be resisted by our regulators and the public, and our regulators might attempt to deny or defer timely recovery of these costs. Moreover, we cannot predict the ultimate impact of achieving our emissions reduction goals, or the various implementation aspects, on our system reliability or our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

***We are subject to extensive regulation, which could result in higher costs for system improvements, as well as fines or other sanctions.***

In the planning and management of our operations, we must address existing and proposed laws and regulations regarding safety, reliability and other matters, as well as potential changes in regulatory frameworks, including reinterpretation of such regulations, initiatives by federal and state legislatures, regional transmission organizations (e.g., ERCOT and MISO), utility regulators, and taxing authorities, and actions by local jurisdictions regarding such matters. As has occurred in the past, if it were determined that we failed to comply with applicable laws and regulations or with applicable tariff provisions regarding such matters, we could become subject to fines, penalties, refund or disgorgement orders, or disallowed costs, or be required to implement additional compliance or remediation programs, the cost of which could be material. We cannot predict the impact of new laws, rules, regulations, tariffs, principles, or practices by federal or state agencies or regional transmission operators, or challenges or changes to present laws, rules, regulations, tariffs, principles, or practices and the interpretation of any adoption or change. Significant changes in the nature of the regulation of our businesses, including expiration or discontinuation of, or significant changes to, existing regulatory mechanisms, and the current federal administration's approach to U.S. energy policy and resultant changes in regulatory enforcement priorities, and/or evolving interpretations of existing regulatory requirements, could require changes to our business planning, strategy and management of our businesses and could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Houston Electric and Indiana Electric are members of ERCOT and MISO, respectively, which serve the electric transmission needs of their applicable regions. As a result of their respective participation in ERCOT and MISO, Houston Electric and Indiana Electric do not have sole operational control over their transmission facilities and are subject to certain costs for improvements to these regional electric transmission systems. In addition, FERC has jurisdiction with respect to ensuring the reliability of electric transmission service, including transmission facilities owned by Houston Electric and other utilities within ERCOT and Indiana Electric and other utilities within MISO, respectively. FERC has designated NERC as the ERO to promulgate standards, under FERC oversight, for all owners, operators and users of the bulk power system. FERC has approved the delegation by NERC of authority for reliability in ERCOT to the Texas RE, a Texas non-profit corporation, and for reliability in the portion of MISO that includes Indiana Electric to Reliability First Corporation, a Delaware non-profit corporation. Compliance with mandatory reliability standards may subject Houston Electric and Indiana Electric to higher operating costs and may result in increased capital expenditures, which may not be fully recoverable in rates. Houston Electric

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and Indiana Electric have received fines in the past for noncompliance. If Houston Electric or Indiana Electric were to be found to be in noncompliance with applicable mandatory reliability standards again, they would be subject to additional sanctions, including monetary penalties, which could range as high as over a million dollars per violation per day, and non-monetary penalties, such as having to file a mitigation plan to prevent recurrence of a similar violation and having certain milestones in such plan tracked.

Additionally, compliance with existing and potential new regulations related to CERC's operation and maintenance of natural gas infrastructure could result in significant costs. PHMSA is responsible for administering the DOT's national regulatory program to assure the safe transportation of natural gas, petroleum and other hazardous materials by pipelines. PHMSA continues to develop regulations and other approaches to risk management to assure safety in design, construction, testing, operation, maintenance and emergency response of natural gas pipeline infrastructure. We have programs in place to comply with regulations related to CERC's operation and maintenance of natural gas infrastructure, such as leak detection surveys and corrosion and critical valve inspections, and we systematically monitor and renew infrastructure over time; however, CERC has failed to maintain compliance with applicable regulations in the past and has received fines for past noncompliance. A significant incident or material finding of non-compliance in the future could result in enforcement action, penalties, higher costs of operations and adverse impacts on our regulatory proceedings, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

***Our businesses may be adversely affected by the intentional misconduct of our employees, consultants, contractors, suppliers and vendors.***

We are committed to living our core values of safety, integrity, accountability, initiative and respect and complying with all applicable laws and regulations. Despite that commitment and efforts to prevent misconduct, it is possible for employees, consultants, contractors, suppliers and vendors to engage in intentional misconduct, fail to uphold our core values, and violate laws and regulations for individual gain through contract or procurement fraud, misappropriation, bribery or corruption, fraudulent related-party transactions and serious breaches of our Ethics and Compliance Codes and other policies. If such intentional misconduct by employees, consultants, contractors, suppliers and vendors should occur, it could result in substantial liability, higher costs, increased regulatory scrutiny and negative public perceptions, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. From time to time, including as part of our Ethics and Compliance program's efforts to detect misconduct, we become aware of and expect to continue to become aware of instances of misconduct by employees, consultants, contractors, suppliers and vendors, which we investigate, remediate and disclose as appropriate and proportionate to the incident.

**Risk Factors Affecting Financial, Economic and Market Risks**

***Disruptions to the global supply chain, inflation, labor shortages and scarcity of certain materials may impact our operations, which could have an adverse impact on our ability to execute our capital plan and on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.***

The global supply chain has experienced and may continue to experience significant disruptions due to a multitude of factors, such as geopolitical and economic uncertainty, regulatory and policy instability, tariffs and changes in U.S. and foreign trade policy, changes in laws (including tax laws), executive orders, the COVID-19 pandemic, labor shortages, resource availability, long lead times, manufacturer production limitations, delivery delays, inflation, severe weather events and disruptions to internal or international shipping, including as a result of armed conflicts, and these disruptions have adversely impacted the utility industry. We, as well as other companies in our industry, have experienced supply chain disruptions, and we may continue to experience this in the future. Moreover, inflation and high interest rates have contributed, and may continue to contribute, to increased prices for materials and services experienced by us and other companies in our industry. We have also faced, and may continue to face, a shortage of experienced and qualified personnel in certain positions, which has resulted in increased competition for skilled labor and wage inflation. Additionally, increased demand for materials necessary for our business has resulted, and may continue to result, in greater competition for and scarcity of such materials. For example, the increase in demand for electricity across the United States has contributed to large demand increases for transformers, which has caused and may continue to cause supply shortages for transformers. Examples of materials necessary for our business that we and our industry have experienced difficulties in procuring include transformers, wires, cables, meters, poles, electronic components, steel, aluminum and solar panels. If the supply chain disruption, inflation, labor shortages and scarcity of certain materials persist or worsen, we and the third parties that we contract with may experience difficulties in procuring the resources and labor necessary to operate our businesses in a timely and cost-efficient manner or at all, which could adversely impact, among other things, our ability to perform storm restoration activities, execute on our 10-year capital plan, execute Indiana Electric's generation transition plan and/or achieve our energy transition goals. Even if we are able to procure the necessary resources and labor, we might not be able to do so at a reasonable cost or in a timely manner, which could result in project

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cancellations or scope changes, delays, cost overruns, under-recovery of costs, customer affordability concerns and challenges to our ability to remain in compliance with applicable laws, regulations and policies. If we are unable to fully execute on capital plans, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows may be adversely affected.

***If we are unable to arrange future financings on acceptable terms, our ability to finance our capital expenditures and operations or refinance outstanding indebtedness could be limited.***

Our businesses are capital intensive, with significant and increasing capital spending expected in future periods. We rely on various sources to finance our capital expenditures and operations. For example, we depend on (i) long-term debt, (ii) borrowings through our revolving credit facilities and, for CenterPoint Energy and CERC, commercial paper programs and (iii) if market conditions permit, issuances of additional shares of common stock or shares of preferred stock by CenterPoint Energy, including through our at-the-market program. We may also use such sources to refinance any outstanding indebtedness as it matures. Additionally, from time to time, our operating subsidiaries, including Houston Electric and CERC, may rely on intercompany borrowings from CenterPoint Energy that may be sourced from CenterPoint Energy's external financings. These arrangements could expose us to risks, including exposure to losses upon the occurrence of certain events related to the development, construction, operation or financing of applicable projects. As of December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy had nearly $23 billion of outstanding indebtedness on a consolidated basis, which included $714 million of non-recourse Securitization Bonds. For information on outstanding indebtedness of CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and CERC as well as future maturities, see Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

In addition, external sources of capital may not be adequate or available on reasonable terms. If we are unable to arrange future financings on acceptable terms, our ability to finance our operations and capital expenditures, including our 10-year capital plan announced in 2025 and increased in February 2026 (through which CenterPoint Energy plans to invest at least $65.5 billion through 2035), or refinance our outstanding indebtedness could be limited. Any of these outcomes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Our future financing activities may be significantly affected by, among other things:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• general economic and capital market conditions, including inflation and recession;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• credit availability from financial institutions and other lenders;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• investor confidence in us, our regulatory environment, our industry and the markets in which we operate;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the future performance of our businesses;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• maintenance of acceptable credit ratings;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• actions from the Federal Reserve, including changes in interest rates and unanticipated actions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• market expectations regarding our future earnings and cash flows;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• investor willingness to invest in companies associated with fossil fuels;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our ability to access capital markets on reasonable terms;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• acceleration of payments or decreased credit lines

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• timing and adequacy of future cost recovery, including securitizations, by jurisdictions in which we operate;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• changes in regulation, governmental policy (including tax and trade policy, such as tariffs) or governmental programs (including tax incentives or tax credits, loans, grants, guarantees and other subsidies); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• provisions of relevant securities laws and our ability to obtain required regulatory authorization for issuances of securities.

The Registrants' current credit ratings and any changes in credit ratings in 2025 and to date in 2026 are discussed in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Other Matters — Impact on Liquidity of a Downgrade in Credit Ratings" in Item 7 of Part II of this report. These credit ratings may not remain in effect for any given period of time and one or more of these ratings may be reduced or withdrawn by a rating agency. The Registrants note these credit ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold their securities. 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 an adverse impact on their ability to access capital on acceptable terms. For example, if CERC's credit rating were to decline, it may have an adverse impact on the cost of borrowings and, in extraordinary market conditions, it may limit the ability to access the debt capital markets. Additionally, CERC might be required to post collateral under its shipping arrangements or to purchase natural gas. If a credit rating downgrade and the resultant cash collateral requirement were to occur at a time when CERC was experiencing significant working capital requirements or otherwise lacked liquidity, CERC's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.

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***Changes in U.S. or foreign trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and other trade actions, and other factors beyond our control may adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.***

The U.S. government has taken executive action and proposed additional measures intended to alter the U.S. approach to international trade policy, the terms of certain existing bilateral or multi-lateral trade agreements and trading arrangements with foreign countries. Such changes to U.S. international trade policy, and retaliatory trade measures that foreign governments have taken and may take in the future in response, including the imposition of tariffs, bans, sanctions, export or import controls, or other measures that restrict international trade, or the threat of such actions, and uncertainties about tariffs and their effects on trading relationships, may affect, and in some cases have affected, the Registrants' ability to access the capital markets, contribute to inflation in the markets in which the Registrants operate, increase costs and cost volatility, impact availability of goods, materials and services (including those necessary for our business and capital plan), further extend lead times or otherwise negatively impact the global supply chain. While the U.S. government has announced various trade deals, many such agreements are preliminary and may be subject to change. Further, any future disagreement between the U.S. government and other countries over the implementation of trade deals or any failure to obtain required governmental approvals or otherwise reach a final agreement could result in prolonged uncertainty regarding the scope and duration of such trade actions by the U.S. government and other countries. Such announcements, rescissions of tariffs on foreign jurisdictions and other trade actions have increased uncertainty regarding the ultimate effects of the tariffs on economic conditions. In addition, related geopolitical and domestic political developments, such as existing and potential trade wars, uncertainty regarding changes in trade policy and other events beyond our control, have increased and may continue to increase levels of political and economic unpredictability globally and the volatility of global financial markets. Such developments could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

***CenterPoint Energy is a holding company that derives all of its operating income from, and holds substantially all of its assets through, its subsidiaries. As a result, CenterPoint Energy depends on the performance of and distributions from its subsidiaries to meet its payment obligations and to pay dividends on its common stock, and provisions of applicable law or contractual restrictions could limit the amount of those distributions.***

CenterPoint Energy derives all of its operating income from, and holds substantially all of its assets through, its subsidiaries. Similarly, CERC derives a significant portion of its operating income from and holds a significant portion of its assets through its subsidiaries, including Indiana Gas and CEOH. As a result, CenterPoint Energy, and to a lesser extent, CERC, depend on the performance of and distributions from their respective subsidiaries to meet their respective payment obligations and to pay dividends on their respective common stock. In general, CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation to provide them with funds for their respective payment obligations, whether by dividends, distributions, loans or otherwise. In addition, provisions of applicable law, such as those limiting the legal sources of dividends, limit CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's respective subsidiaries' ability to make payments or other distributions to CenterPoint Energy or CERC, and their respective subsidiaries could agree to contractual restrictions on their ability to make payments or other distributions. Further, ring-fencing measures, such as those adopted by Houston Electric in connection with its 2019 base rate case, could be imposed on subsidiaries of CenterPoint Energy and CERC in the future through legislation or state commission rules or orders. The imposition of any additional measures impacting CenterPoint Energy's or CERC's ability to receive dividends from their respective subsidiaries could adversely affect CenterPoint Energy's credit quality, business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Any such adverse effect on CenterPoint Energy could also adversely affect Houston Electric's and/or CERC's credit quality, business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows as CenterPoint Energy may not be able to financially support Houston Electric and/or CERC if and when necessary.

CenterPoint Energy's right to receive assets of any subsidiary, and therefore the right of its creditors to participate in those assets, are structurally subordinated to the claims of that subsidiary's creditors, including trade creditors. In addition, even if CenterPoint Energy were a creditor of any subsidiary, its rights as a creditor would likely be effectively subordinated to any security interest in the assets of that subsidiary and any senior indebtedness of the subsidiary.

***CenterPoint Energy's previously owned Energy Systems Group business has performance and warranty obligations, some of which are guaranteed by CenterPoint Energy.***

On June 30, 2023, CenterPoint Energy closed the sale of its Energy Systems Group business. Prior to June 30, 2023 and as part of the normal course of its business, Energy Systems Group issued performance bonds and other forms of assurance that committed it to operate facilities, pay vendors or subcontractors and support warranty obligations. As the parent company prior to the closing of the sale, CenterPoint Energy or Vectren guaranteed certain of its subsidiaries' commitments. When Energy Systems Group was wholly owned by CenterPoint Energy, these guarantees did not represent incremental consolidated obligations, but rather, these guarantees represented guarantees of Energy Systems Group's obligations to allow it to conduct business without posting other forms of assurance. Neither CenterPoint Energy nor Vectren has been called upon to satisfy any

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obligations pursuant to these parental guarantees to date but may be required to do so in the future. For further information, see Note 14(b) to the consolidated financial statements.

***An impairment of goodwill, long-lived assets or equity method investments or a fair value adjustment could reduce our earnings.***

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually, as well as when events or changes in circumstances indicates the carrying value may not be recoverable. While CenterPoint Energy has identified and recorded goodwill impairments in the past, no impairments to goodwill were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements for further information. Should the annual goodwill impairment test or another periodic impairment test or an observable transaction indicate the fair value of our assets is less than the carrying value, we would be required to take a non-cash charge to earnings with a correlative effect on equity, increasing balance sheet leverage as measured by debt to total capitalization. A non-cash impairment charge or fair value adjustment could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

***If CenterPoint Energy redeems the ZENS prior to their maturity in 2029, its ultimate tax liability and redemption payments may result in significant cash payments, which would adversely impact its cash flows and liquidity. Similarly, a significant amount of exchanges of ZENS by ZENS holders could adversely impact CenterPoint Energy's cash flows and liquidity.***

CenterPoint Energy has approximately $828 million principal amount of ZENS outstanding as of December 31, 2025. 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. CenterPoint Energy may redeem all of the ZENS at any time at a redemption amount per ZENS equal to the higher of the contingent principal amount of less than $0.1 million in the aggregate, or less than $0.01 per ZENS, as of December 31, 2025, or the sum of the current market value of the reference shares attributable to one ZENS at the time of redemption. In the event CenterPoint Energy redeems the ZENS, in addition to the redemption amount, it would be required to pay deferred taxes related to the ZENS, to the extent such taxes were not currently offset by net operating loss carryforwards or CAMT carryforwards. CenterPoint Energy's ultimate tax liability related to the ZENS and ZENS-Related Securities continues to increase by the amount of the tax benefit realized each year. If the ZENS had been redeemed on December 31, 2025, deferred taxes of approximately $897 million would have been payable in 2025, based on 2025 tax rates in effect, and disregarding the availability of net operating loss carryforwards and CAMT carryforwards. In addition, if all the shares of ZENS-Related Securities had been sold on December 31, 2025 to fund the aggregate redemption amount, capital gains taxes of approximately $72 million would have been payable in 2025, disregarding the availability of net operating loss carryforwards and CAMT carryforwards. As of December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy had both net operating loss carryforwards and CAMT carryforwards available from its filed 2024 federal income tax return that can be applied to largely offset the cash tax outflow that would result from a retirement or exchange of ZENS. Similarly, a significant amount of exchanges of ZENS by ZENS holders could adversely impact CenterPoint Energy's cash flows and liquidity, subject to the availability of net operating loss carryforwards or CAMT carryforwards. This could happen if CenterPoint Energy's creditworthiness were to drop, the market for the ZENS were to become illiquid, or for some other reason. While funds for the payment of cash upon exchange of ZENS could be obtained from the sale of the shares of ZENS-Related Securities CenterPoint Energy owns or from other sources, ZENS exchanges result in a cash outflow because tax deferrals related to the ZENS and ZENS-Related Securities shares would typically be reversed when ZENS are exchanged and ZENS-Related Securities shares are sold, subject to the availability of net operating loss carryforwards or CAMT carryforwards to reduce the cash taxes payable in the year of exchange or sale.

***Our potential business strategies and strategic initiatives, including merger and acquisition activities and the disposition of assets or businesses, may not be completed or perform as expected, adversely affecting our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.***

Our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows depend, in part, on our management's ability to implement our business strategies successfully and realize the anticipated benefits therefrom. In 2025, we announced our strategic goals for CenterPoint Energy, including our new 10-year capital plan. Our strategic goals are subject to the risks described in this section and various assumptions. These assumptions may require updating or we may not be able to execute on these strategic goals in a timely manner or at all. If we are unable to execute on our strategic goals, including our 10-year capital plan, the benefits therefrom may not be fully realized, if at all, and our reputation may be adversely affected.

From time to time we have made, and may continue to make, acquisitions or divestitures of, or other similar transactions involving, businesses and assets, such as our announced sale of our Ohio natural gas LDC business, Houston Electric's release

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of its large TEEEF units to the San Antonio area and other potential future releasing and subleasing of TEEEF, form joint ventures or undertake restructurings, such as the Restructuring. However, suitable acquisition candidates or potential buyers may not continue to be available on terms and conditions we find acceptable, or the expected benefits of completed acquisitions, dispositions or similar transactions may not be realized fully or at all or may not be realized in the anticipated timeframe. If we are unable to make acquisitions, or if those acquisitions do not perform as anticipated, our future growth may be adversely affected. Further, any completed or future acquisitions, dispositions or other strategic transactions involve substantial risks, including the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• acquired businesses or assets, or other business strategies and strategic initiatives may not produce revenues, earnings or cash flow at anticipated levels;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• acquired businesses or assets, or other business strategies and strategic initiatives could have environmental, permitting or other problems for which contractual protections prove inadequate;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• we may assume liabilities that were not disclosed to us, that exceed our estimates, or for which our rights to indemnification from the seller are limited;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• we may be unable to integrate acquired businesses successfully and realize anticipated economic, operational and other benefits in a timely manner, which could result in substantial costs and delays or other operational, technical or financial problems;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• acquisitions, dispositions or other strategic transactions, or the pursuit of such transactions, including any separation or disentanglement efforts or requirements, such as the provision of transition services, could disrupt our ongoing businesses, distract management, divert resources and make it difficult to maintain current business standards, controls and procedures;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• we may not receive regulatory approvals necessary to complete an acquisition, disposition or similar transaction in a timely manner or at all; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• shifting governmental policies may impact governmental support for strategic transactions.

On October 20, 2025, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., entered into the Ohio Securities Purchase Agreement to sell its Ohio natural gas LDC business. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. For further information, see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. We can make no assurances regarding the completion of this sale, which could be subject to delays or may not ultimately be consummated.

***Changing demographics, poor investment performance of pension plan assets and other factors adversely affecting the calculation of pension liabilities could unfavorably impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.***

CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries maintain qualified defined benefit pension plans covering certain of its employees. Costs associated with these plans are dependent upon a number of factors including the investment returns on plan assets, the level of interest rates used to calculate the funded status of the plan, contributions to the plan, the number of plan participants and government regulations with respect to funding requirements and the calculation of plan liabilities. Funding requirements may increase and CenterPoint Energy may be required to make unplanned contributions in the event of a decline in the market value of plan assets, a decline in the interest rates used to calculate the present value of future plan obligations, or government regulations that increase minimum funding requirements or the pension liability. See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for further information. In addition to affecting CenterPoint Energy's funding requirements, these factors could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

***We may be significantly affected by changes in federal income tax laws and regulations, including any comprehensive federal tax reform legislation.***

Our businesses are impacted by U.S. federal income tax policy. The TCJA, CARES Act, the IRA and OBBBA significantly changed the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, including taxation of U.S. corporations, by among other things, reducing the federal corporate income tax rate, altering the expensing of capital expenditures, enacting a new CAMT, and phasing out previously expanded federal tax credits for cleaner energy production. Based on guidance available as of the date of the filing of this Form 10-K, the Registrants will continue to be subject to the CAMT included in the IRA.

The interpretive guidance issued by the IRS and state tax authorities, as well as related federal executive orders, may be inconsistent with our interpretation and the legislation could be subject to amendments, which could lessen or increase certain impacts of the legislation. In addition, while certain regulators have allowed the Registrants to recover certain costs associated with the CAMT in the past, the regulatory treatment of the expanded tax credits and CAMT could impact the Registrants' future

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cash flows, and this legislation could result in unintended consequences not yet identified that could have an adverse impact on the Registrants' financial results and future cash flows.

Further changes in federal tax legislation or guidance, or uncertainties regarding the repeal, continuation or interpretation of such tax legislation or guidance, could significantly change the federal income tax laws applicable to domestic businesses, including changes that may impact investment incentives and deductions for depreciation and interest, among other deductions. Additional new federal tax reform legislation and the implementation of new or increased tariffs could lead to increases in market interest rates, a decrease in U.S. economic growth, and/or recession. In addition, interpretations, regulations, amendments, or technical corrections that affect the amount and timing of income tax payments could adversely affect our liquidity. While CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries cannot assess the overall impact of any such potential legislation or other actions on our businesses, it is possible that our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be negatively impacted. Furthermore, with any enacted federal tax reform legislation, it is uncertain how state commissions and local municipalities may require us to respond to the effects of such tax legislation, including determining the treatment of EDIT and other increases and decreases in our revenue requirements. As such, potential regulatory actions in response to any enacted tax legislation could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

**Risk Factors Affecting Safety and Security Risks**

***The Registrants' businesses have safety risks.***

The Registrants' facilities and distribution and transmission systems have been and may in the future be involved in incidents that result in injury, death, or property loss to employees, customers, third parties (including vendors, suppliers and contractors), or the public. Although the Registrants have insurance coverage for many potential incidents, depending upon the nature and severity of any incident, they have in the past and could in the future experience financial loss, claims and litigation, damage to their reputation, and negative consequences from regulatory authorities or other public authorities. Further, certain CenterPoint Energy employees who work in the field have experienced threats of violence during the performance of their work. Threats of violence, actual violence and other concerns may result in employees and third parties supporting the work of the Registrants sustaining serious injuries and being unable or unwilling to complete critical functions, which could adversely affect our businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, and could make it harder to, among other things, recruit and retain certain employees.

***Cyberattacks, physical security breaches, acts of terrorism or other disruptions could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.***

We are subject to cyber and physical security risks related to our information technology systems, operational technology, network infrastructure and other technology and facilities used to conduct almost all of our businesses. The operation of our electric transmission, distribution and generation systems is dependent on the physical interconnection of our facilities, as well as communications among the various components of our systems and the systems of supply chain stakeholders (such as vendors, contractors and suppliers). Further, certain of the various internal systems we use to conduct our businesses are highly integrated. Consequently, a cyberattack or unauthorized access in any one of these systems could potentially impact the other systems. Similarly, our business operations, including our transmission systems and natural gas pipelines, are part of an interconnected system. Disruption of those systems, or our ability to communicate with those systems, whether caused by physical disruption such as storms or other natural disasters, by failure of equipment or technology or by man-made events, such as cyberattacks or acts of terrorism, may disrupt our ability to conduct operations and control assets, lead to operational interruptions and negatively impact our business.

The sophistication of cybersecurity threats, including those leveraging AI, continues to increase, and the controls and preventative actions we take to reduce the risk of cybersecurity incidents and protect our systems, including the regular testing of our cybersecurity incident response plan, may be insufficient. In addition, new technology that could result in greater operational efficiency, such as AI and cloud-based infrastructure, may further expose our computer systems to the risk of cybersecurity incidents. Also, remote working arrangements could increase our data security risks, including loss of data related to sensitive customer, employee, financial and operating system information, through insider or outsider actions. Cyberattacks, including deep fakes (which are increasingly more difficult to identify as fake), phishing, smishing, vishing or quishing attacks and threats from the use of malware, ransomware and viruses or malicious code, and unauthorized access could also result in the loss, or unauthorized use, of confidential, proprietary or critical infrastructure data or security breaches of other information technology systems that could disrupt operations and critical business functions, adversely affect our reputation, impact our customers, increase costs and subject us to possible legal claims and liability. While we have implemented and maintain a cybersecurity program designed to protect our information technology, operational technology, and data systems from such

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attacks, our cybersecurity program does not prevent all breaches or cyberattack incidents. Publicly known vulnerabilities in our information technology and operational technology environments may not be remediated before an adversary could discover or exploit them. Attackers can also exploit new, unknown vulnerabilities (e.g., zero-day vulnerabilities) and vulnerabilities where a patch or other remediation measure is not yet available. The data that we disclose to, and services we receive from, third parties may be subject to cybersecurity risks associated with threats to third-party systems. These risks include security compromises, vulnerabilities or failures related to the technologies and systems used by service providers, other supply chain stakeholders and/or governmental entities. The potential impact of such threats depends in part on the criticality of the third-party services and/or extent of access these third parties have to our confidential information and/or systems. We have experienced an increase in the number of attempts by external parties to access our networks or our company data without authorization. We have also experienced, and expect to continue to experience, cyber intrusions and attacks to our information systems and those of third parties, including supply chain stakeholders and government entities who perform certain services for us or administer and maintain our sensitive information. These prior intrusions and attacks have not had a material impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Because technology is increasingly complex and cyberattacks are increasingly sophisticated and more frequent, there is a risk such incidents could have an adverse effect on us in the future. The risk of a disruption or breach of our operational technology systems, or the compromise of the data processed in connection with our operations, through a cybersecurity breach or ransomware attack, has increased as attempted attacks have advanced in sophistication and number around the world. Although CenterPoint Energy currently maintains cybersecurity insurance, this insurance is limited in scope and subject to exceptions, conditions and coverage limitations and may not cover the costs associated with potential cybersecurity incidents, and there is no guarantee that the insurance that CenterPoint Energy currently maintains will continue to be available at rates we believe are reasonable.

Our continued efforts to integrate, consolidate and streamline our operations have also resulted in increased reliance on current and recently completed projects for technology systems and may increase potential vulnerabilities and points of failure in our information and operations systems. A failure to maintain and enhance existing information technology systems, or the failure of new technology systems to be implemented as designed, could adversely affect our operations. Procedures we implement to protect our systems may be insufficient to protect and safeguard against unauthorized access to secured data. A failure of our technologies or procedures, or our inability to support and integrate these technologies across our subsidiaries, could materially and adversely impact our operations, diminish customer confidence and our reputation, materially increase the costs we incur to protect against these risks and subject us to possible financial liability or increased regulation or litigation.

We depend on the secure operations of our physical assets to transport the energy we deliver and our information technology to process, transmit and store electronic information, including information and operational technology we use to safely operate our energy transportation systems. Companies in our industry face a heightened risk of exposure to and have experienced acts of terrorism and vandalism. Our electric and gas physical infrastructure may be targets of physical security threats or terrorist activities. Further, recent escalation with respect to geopolitical conflicts may increase the likelihood that facilities within the United States, including natural gas distribution systems or electric transmission, distribution or generation systems that we own or on which we rely, will be targeted by strikes, acts of terrorism or cyberattacks. Security breaches, attacks on our infrastructure and facilities, including against the Registrants or as a means to harm a third party by disrupting the transmission and distribution of energy, acts of terrorism, including by foreign or domestic actors, and vandalism could expose our business to a risk of loss, misuse or interruption of critical physical assets or information and functions that affect our operations, as well as potential data privacy breaches and loss of protected personal information and other sensitive information, such as Critical Energy Infrastructure Information. Such losses could result in operational impacts, damage to our assets, public or personal safety incidents, impacts to our customers, damage to the environment, reputational harm, competitive disadvantage, increased regulation and regulatory enforcement actions, litigation and a potential adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. There is no certainty that costs incurred related to actual or thwarted cyberattacks, or for the safeguarding against such security threats, will be recoverable through rates.

***Compliance with and changes in cybersecurity laws and regulations have a cost and operational impact on our business, and failure to comply with such requirements could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.***

Regulators have adopted numerous rules and regulations regarding cybersecurity. As a result, CenterPoint Energy continues to take measures to comply with the TSA pipeline security directive requirements applicable to critical pipeline owners and operators. These security directives require CenterPoint Energy to establish, implement and assess a TSA-approved Cybersecurity Implementation Plan that describes the security measures maintained to comply with relevant provisions of the security directives. CenterPoint Energy is also subject to standards enacted by NERC and enforced by FERC regarding protection of critical infrastructure assets required for operating North America's bulk electric system. We may be required to expend significant additional resources and costs to respond to cyberattacks, to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures, or to assess, investigate and remediate any critical infrastructure security vulnerabilities. There is no certainty that

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such costs incurred will be recovered through rates. We also face increasing and evolving disclosure and reporting obligations related to cybersecurity events, and there is no certainty that we will be able to meet existing or future disclosure obligations and avoid the risk of potentially having our disclosures misinterpreted when made. National security or public safety considerations may further affect, or in some instances prevent, our public disclosure of a cybersecurity incident in certain circumstances. Any failure to remain in compliance with these government regulations or failure in our cybersecurity protective measures may result in enforcement actions which may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

***Failure to maintain the security of personal information could adversely affect us.***

In connection with our businesses, we and supply chain stakeholders collect and retain personal information (for example, information of our customers, shareholders, suppliers and employees), and there is an expectation that we and such supply chain stakeholders will adequately protect that information. The regulatory environment surrounding information security and data privacy continues to evolve and is increasingly demanding. New laws and regulations governing data privacy and the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information pose increasingly complex compliance challenges and elevate our costs. Any failure by us to comply with these laws and regulations, including as a result of a security or privacy breach, could result in significant costs, fines and penalties and liabilities for us. The systems we have implemented to protect our information technology, operational technology and data systems from attacks cannot prevent all security breaches, and the systems we have implemented to manage and protect personal information cannot prevent all privacy breaches. We and some supply chain stakeholders that maintain personal information have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, data privacy incidents and breaches; however, to date, we have not experienced a material data privacy incident or breach. A significant theft, loss or fraudulent use of the personal information we maintain, or failure of our vendors, suppliers and contractors to use or maintain such data in accordance with contractual provisions and other legal requirements, could adversely impact our reputation and could result in significant costs, fines and penalties and liabilities for us.

***We may not be successful in our adoption, development and deployment of AI, which could adversely affect our business, reputation, or financial results.***

We are using and exploring the further use of AI, including generative AI, and its ability to enhance the services we offer to the communities we serve. There are significant risks involved in developing and deploying AI, and ineffective or inadequate development or deployment of AI practices by us or supply chain stakeholders could result in unintended consequences. We contract with supply chain stakeholders that use AI in products and services they provide, and we may not have full control or visibility over the quality, performance, security or compliance of the products and services that incorporate AI-related technology. Additionally, the use of AI may not enhance our services or be beneficial to our business, including with respect to the efficiency and resiliency of our systems. For example, AI-related efforts by us or supply chain stakeholders may give rise to risks related to harmful content, accuracy, bias, discrimination, intellectual property infringement or misappropriation, defamation, data privacy, and cybersecurity, among others, which could lead to operational interruptions or otherwise adversely affect our business, reputation or financial results. In addition, the adoption of AI may subject us to new or enhanced governmental or regulatory scrutiny, new or amended laws, rules, directives, and regulations governing the use of AI (which may be conflicting), litigation, ethical concerns, negative consumer perceptions as to automation and AI, or other complications that could adversely affect our business, reputation, or financial results. Developing, testing and deploying resource-intensive AI systems may also require additional investment and increase costs. We may not be able to recover our investments in AI technology through our regulatory proceedings, and our use of, or supply chain stakeholders' use of, AI may subject us to legal liability. Similarly, as AI continues to evolve, we may not be able to adopt and implement AI as quickly as our customers or communities desire or regulators may require, which could also adversely affect us. AI is a relatively new and rapidly evolving technology, and we are unable to predict all of the risks that may result from the adoption of our AI initiatives.

**General and Other Risks**

***Our revenues and results of operations are seasonal.***

Our revenues and results of operations are subject to seasonality, weather conditions and other changes in electricity and natural gas usage, as applicable. Houston Electric's revenues are generally higher during the warmer months. As in certain past years, unusually mild weather in the warmer months could diminish Houston Electric's results of operations and harm its business, financial condition and cash flows. Conversely, as in certain past years, extreme warm weather conditions could increase Houston Electric's results of operations in a manner that would not likely be annually recurring. A significant portion of Indiana Electric's sales are for space heating and cooling. Consequently, as in certain past years, Indiana Electric's results of operations may be adversely affected by warmer-than-normal heating season weather or colder-than-normal cooling season weather, while, as has occurred in certain past years, more extreme seasonal weather conditions could increase Indiana

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Electric's results of operations in a manner that would not likely be annually recurring. Revenues in our Natural Gas reportable segment are customarily higher during the winter months. As in certain past years, unusually mild weather in the winter months could diminish our results of operations and harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Conversely, as occurred in certain past years, extreme cold weather conditions could increase our results of operations in a manner that would not likely be annually recurring.

***Severe weather events, natural disasters and other climate-related impacts could adversely impact our businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.***

A changing climate creates uncertainty and could result in broad changes, both physical and financial in nature, to our service territories and our business. Our facilities and operations face physical risks from severe weather events, natural disasters and other climate-related conditions, which have become more frequent, unpredictable and severe as a result of climate change or other factors. Severe weather events, natural disasters and other climate-related conditions impact our service territories, primarily when hurricanes and remnants of hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, severe winter weather conditions, including ice storms, wildfires, thunderstorms, high winds, hail, derecho events, microbursts, drought, excess humidity or extreme temperatures (high heating/cooling days) occur, which can impact our operations and our ability to serve our customers, including resulting in operational interruptions and large-scale and/or prolonged outages. To the extent the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, natural disasters and climate-related conditions such as rising sea level and coastal erosion continue to increase, our costs of providing service may increase, including the costs and availability of procuring insurance related to such impacts, and those costs may not be recoverable. In addition, our insurance may not be sufficient or effective under all circumstances and against all related hazards or liabilities to which we may be subject. Any losses for which we are not fully insured or that are not covered by insurance at all could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. A delay or failure in recovering amounts for storm restoration costs incurred, inability to securitize future storm restoration costs, or loss of revenues as a result of severe weather could have a material impact on us, including lower credit ratings and, thus, higher costs for future debt issuances, as well as limitations on our ability to fund other investments to address customer needs. The implementation of budget and spending cuts to federal government agencies and programs could also impact our operations and our ability to serve customers when such weather events, natural disasters and other climate conditions occur, including increasing our costs. Further, events of extreme weather and natural disasters could make it unsafe or hinder the effectiveness of our employees to fix, maintain and restore power to affected areas and could harm our reputation. Since certain of our facilities are located along or near the Texas Gulf Coast, increased or more severe hurricanes, tornadoes or derecho events could increase our costs to repair damaged facilities and restore service to our customers. Our electric and natural gas operations in our service territories have both been impacted by severe weather events, including the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, the May 2024 Storm Event and Hurricane Beryl, and could experience similar events in the future, which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Further, if climate changes occur that result in fewer heating degree days than normal in our service territories, which has occurred in certain past years, financial results from our businesses could be adversely impacted. For example, where natural gas is used to heat homes and businesses, warmer weather might result in less natural gas being used, adversely affecting us.

Severe weather events, natural disasters and the effects of climate change have increased the duration of wildfire season and may further exacerbate the possibility of wildfires and the risks related thereto, including that we may be held liable for damages incurred as a result of wildfires, reputational harm, damage to our network, facilities and systems resulting therefrom. While we proactively take steps to mitigate wildfire risk in the areas of our electrical and natural gas assets, wildfire risk is always present. We could be held liable for damages incurred as a result of wildfires or incur reputational harm if it was determined that they were caused by or enhanced due to any fault of CenterPoint Energy. Wildfires could also jeopardize our electric and natural gas infrastructure, including Houston Electric's and Indiana Electric's vast network of electric transmission and distribution lines and facilities and CERC's natural gas distribution systems, and third-party property and result in temporary or prolonged power outages and shortages in our service territories. Wildfires also have the potential to negatively affect communities in our service territories and the surrounding areas, and the continued expansion of the wildland-urban interface has increased this wildfire risk. In addition, while we maintain wildfire insurance, our insurance may not be sufficient to cover all losses we may incur as a result of wildfires. Wildfires could also lead to significant financial distress, credit rating downgrades and further increased costs for wildfire insurance or lack of availability thereof. Insufficient wildfire insurance coverage, increased wildfire insurance costs and a lack of wildfire insurance availability could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Furthermore, any damage caused to our assets, loss of service to our customers, liability imposed, credit rating downgrades or regulatory recovery risk occurring as a result of wildfires could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We are subject to transition risk relating to climate change, as well. In the long term, climate change could cause shifts in population, including customers moving away from our service territories. When we cannot deliver electricity or natural gas to

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customers or our customers cannot receive our services, our financial results are impacted by lost revenues, and we generally must seek approval from regulators to recover restoration costs. To the extent we are unable to recover those costs or recover in a timely manner, or if recovery of such costs results in higher rates and reduced demand for our services, our future financial results may be adversely impacted. Similarly, public and private efforts to address climate change, such as by legislation, regulation, actions by private interest groups, and litigation, could impact our ability to continue operating our businesses as we do today, significant aspects of which rely on fossil fuels. These initiatives could have a significant impact on us and our operations as well as on our third-party suppliers, vendors and partners, which could impact us by among other things, causing permitting and construction delays, project cancellations or increased project costs passed on to us. We also may be subject to climate change litigation, which could result in substantial fines, penalties or damages and restrictions on our operations. The utility industry has already faced such litigation, challenging its marketing and use of fossil fuels and attributing climate change to emissions resulting from the use of fossil fuels. While we have pursued and executed, and continue to pursue and execute, on plans to accelerate investments to enhance the resiliency of our systems to better withstand severe weather, natural disasters, and other climate-related impacts, these plans are generally subject to approval by regulators and may not be approved in full or at all. Certain accelerated resilience plans of the Registrants have received regulatory approval for a limited scope and duration, generally at levels less than those proposed to the regulators. We may not be able to successfully execute such plans and projects in the time and manner planned and there are risks regarding the ability to demonstrate the efficacy of the accelerated resilience investments in mitigating storm impacts, as well as in seeking and obtaining regulatory approval for additional accelerated resilience plans and projects that may be necessary. The need for this investment and these expenditures could cause execution, liquidity, capital or other financing-related risks as well as result in upward pressure on our customer rates, which, particularly when combined with upward pressure resulting from the recovery of the costs of recent and future storms, may result in adverse actions by applicable regulators or effectively limit our ability to make other planned capital or other investments. The occurrence of extreme weather events, including winter storms and record hot temperatures, or other causes could also lead to additional reforms to the Texas electric market, some measure of which, if implemented, could have an adverse impact on Houston Electric. For example, during and in the aftermath of the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, the Texas legislature revised applicable statutes and granted the PUCT and ERCOT additional regulatory authority, both oversight and enforcement, that focuses on ensuring ERCOT market participants, including Houston Electric, have adopted sufficient winterization standards and protection. If any additional protections are required in the future as a result of additional extreme weather events or other causes, complying with these new protections may increase the cost of electricity, which could adversely affect Houston Electric's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

***We are exposed to risks related to changes in demand and energy consumption that could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.***

Our businesses are also affected by new customers and load growth. We anticipate a high level of load growth and an increase in demand for electric power in certain of our service territories, including from the expansion of data centers (associated with, among other things, increasing demand for AI), energy refining and exports, advanced manufacturing and logistics, and a significant portion of the planned investments in our 10-year capital plan is intended to support such expected growth. Nevertheless, significant uncertainty exists. We are subject to potential challenges in accurately forecasting such load growth and predicting future electric power needs due to, among other things, rapidly changing technology and market dynamics, changes in industry practice and the possibility that new large customers will be transitory and exit our service territory or otherwise delay or cancel their planned projects. We are subject to potential challenges in capitalizing on opportunities presented by these developments (including if such opportunities do not materialize to the degree expected), managing the potential power demand, generation sources, and transmission capabilities to meet potential load growth, financing the capital investment needed to build and maintain the necessary infrastructure to support such development on satisfactory terms and conditions and consistent with the maintenance of satisfactory credit ratings, executing on such build and maintenance of the necessary infrastructure to support such development on acceptable timelines and in a cost-effective manner while maintaining affordability for customers, managing the possible environmental impact of the potential increased power demand, achieving our energy transition goals on expected timelines and evaluating and complying with evolving regulations related to such development. These challenges, and our efforts to predict and address them, could have a material impact on us, including if we fail to capitalize on the opportunities relating to these developments or fully realize anticipated benefits from significant capital investments and expenditures made to address such development, which could adversely affect our ability to execute our 10-year capital plan, cause us to incur additional expenses to terminate or redeploy any underutilized assets or infrastructure, or fail to fully recover our capital expenditures, all of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. For example, our failure to capitalize on the opportunities presented by these developments or potential large load customers delaying or cancelling their planned projects could lead to delays or the cancellation of projects included in our 10-year capital plan. Further, regulators may investigate the prudence of costs in our rates and examine, among other things, the reasonableness or prudence of our level of expenditures (including costs associated with our capital projects supporting new customers and load growth). In addition, volatility in stock prices of perceived significant energy customers, such as technology companies involved with data centers, AI or cryptocurrency, or other

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significant developments with such companies, could cause increased volatility in stock prices of certain companies in our industry.

Higher electric power demand and load growth could also significantly increase the prices of energy and capacity, which could in turn affect customer rates or be perceived to affect customer rates and raise affordability concerns, as well as raise resource adequacy and reliability concerns, particularly if that increased demand outpaces the addition of firm generation capacity and in transmission constrained zones. For example, there has been increasing media attention and public claims regarding the link between large load customers such as data centers and increased customer bills. Increased customer rates or the perception that customer rates are increasing to address large load customers could attract political and regulatory scrutiny, increase regulatory uncertainty for our capital investment plans and programs and present reputational risks. Additionally, projected load growth across the ERCOT system could, if not sufficiently addressed through system design and reliability measures, negatively impact electric infrastructure reliability and potentially cause system-wide stresses. This resource adequacy challenge presents reliability concerns, as well as potential for increasing energy and capacity prices that could place pressure on customer bills, attract political and regulatory scrutiny, increase regulatory uncertainty for our capital investment plans and programs and present reputational risks. These matters could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our businesses are also affected by reduction in energy consumption due to factors including economic, climate and market conditions in our service territories, energy efficiency/reduction initiatives, advances in technology and use of alternative technologies and changes in our customers' perceptions regarding natural gas usage as a result of incidents of other utilities involving natural gas pipelines, which could impact our ability to grow our customer base and our rate of growth. Growth in customer accounts and growth of customer usage each directly influence demand for electricity and natural gas and the need for additional delivery facilities. Customer growth and customer usage are affected by a number of factors outside our control, such as energy efficiency/reduction initiatives, bans on or further regulation of natural gas-fired appliances, demand-side management goals, technological advances (e.g., distributed generation resources, energy storage devices and more energy efficient buildings and products) and economic and demographic conditions, including population changes, job and income growth, housing starts, changes in rate designs, new business formation and the overall level of economic activity. For example, certain regulatory and legislative bodies have introduced or are considering requirements and incentives to reduce energy consumption by certain dates. Declines in demand for electricity and natural gas in our service territories due to pipeline incidents of other utilities, increased electricity and natural gas prices as experienced during the February 2021 Winter Storm Event and during periods of persisting high inflation or economic downturns, among other factors, could reduce overall usage and lessen cash flows, especially as industrial customers reduce production and, therefore, consumption of electricity and natural gas. Although Houston Electric's and Indiana Electric's transmission and distribution businesses are subject to regulated allowable rates of return and recovery of certain costs under periodic adjustment clauses, overall declines in electricity delivered and used as a result of economic downturn or recession could reduce revenues and cash flows, thereby diminishing results of operations. A reduction in the rate of economic, employment and/or population growth could result in lower growth and reduced demand for and usage of electricity and natural gas in such service territories. Additionally, certain laws in our service territories allow municipalities to create, own, and operate utilities. If one or more municipalities in our service territories create new or supplemental utilities, or impair the franchises under which we serve customers in the applicable municipalities, it could result in lower growth and reduced demand for and usage of electricity and natural gas in such service territories. Further, deregulation or other changes in law in our service territories could allow third-party suppliers to contract directly with customers for their natural gas and electric supply requirements. In addition, legislation or regulation that supports distributed energy technologies or that allows third party sales from such technologies could result in further competition. Some or all of these factors could result in a lack of growth or decline in customer demand for electricity or natural gas or number of customers and may result in our failure to fully realize anticipated benefits from significant capital investments and expenditures, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

***Aging infrastructure may lead to increased costs and disruptions in operations that could negatively impact our financial results.***

We have risks associated with aging infrastructure assets, including the failure of equipment or processes and potential breakdowns due to such aging. These risks have in the past and may continue to be driven by threats such as, but not limited to, electrical faults, mechanical failure, internal and external corrosion, ground movement and stress corrosion and/or cracking. The age of certain of our assets, including each of Indiana Electric's coal generating facilities, which were constructed in 1973 and 1966, respectively, have in the past resulted and may continue to result in a need for replacement, higher level of maintenance costs, reduced generation output and unscheduled outages because of, among other things, our risk-based federal and state compliant integrity management programs. The failure to operate our assets as desired could result in interruption of service, safety concerns, major component failure at generating facilities and electric substations, events such as gas leaks, and an inability to meet service and compliance obligations, which could adversely impact revenues, and could also result in increased

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capital expenditures and maintenance costs. As part of our capital plan and various plans and projects thereunder, we continue to make upgrades to our aging infrastructure assets to enhance the reliability of our infrastructure. Failure to achieve timely and full recovery of expenses associated with our aging infrastructure could adversely impact revenues and could result in increased capital expenditures or expenses. In addition, the nature of information available on aging infrastructure assets, which in some cases is incomplete, may make operation of the infrastructure, inspections, maintenance, upgrading and replacement of the assets particularly challenging. Missing or incorrect infrastructure data may lead to difficulty properly locating facilities, which can result in excavator damage and operational or emergency response issues; configuration and control risks associated with the modification of system operating pressures in connection with turning off or turning on service to customers, which can result in unintended outages or operating pressures; and other potential risks related to missing or incorrect infrastructure data. Also, additional maintenance and inspections are required in some instances to improve infrastructure information and records and address emerging regulatory or risk management requirements, resulting in increased costs.

Our ability to successfully maintain or replace our aging infrastructure has been and may continue to be delayed or be at a greater cost than anticipated due to supply chain issues or governmental actions. For example, while Indiana Electric's 2025 IRP (similar to previous IRPs) preferred portfolios included the retirement of F.B. Culley Unit 2 by the end of 2025, a coal-fired generation unit, the U.S. Department of Energy issued emergency order 202(c) in December 2025 directing Indiana Electric to continue operating the unit through March 23, 2026. Additionally, with respect to our natural gas operations, if certain pipeline replacements (for example, cast-iron or bare steel pipe) are not completed timely or successfully, government agencies and private parties might allege the uncompleted replacements caused events such as fires, explosions or leaks. Although we maintain insurance for certain of our facilities, our insurance coverage may not be sufficient in the event a catastrophic loss is alleged to have been caused by a failure to timely complete equipment replacements. Insufficient insurance coverage and increased insurance costs could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Finally, aging infrastructure may complicate our utility operations ability to address severe weather, natural disaster and climate change concerns and efforts to enhance resiliency and reliability.

***Our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows may be adversely affected if we are unable to successfully operate our facilities or perform certain corporate functions.***

Our performance depends on the successful operation of our facilities. Operating these facilities involves many risks inherent in the transmission, distribution and generation of electricity and in the delivery of natural gas that could result in substantial losses or other damages. From time to time, we have and may in the future experience various risks associated with the operations of our facilities, including, but not limited to, the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• operator error or failure of equipment or processes, including natural gas ignition events or associated incidents, pipeline high-pressure or over-pressure events or ruptures, or failure to follow appropriate safety protocols for, among others, the transmission and distribution of electricity and in the delivery of natural gas, including operations of our storage and peak shaving facilities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the handling of hazardous equipment or materials that could result in serious personal injury, loss of life and environmental and property damage;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the inability to maintain the reliability of our utility services or meet generation capacity obligations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• operating limitations that may be imposed by environmental or other regulatory requirements;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• labor disputes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• information technology or financial and billing system failures, including those due to the implementation and integration or failure of new technology (including AI technology), that impair our information technology infrastructure, reporting systems or disrupt normal business operations, affect our ability to access customer information or cause us to lose confidential or proprietary data that adversely affects our reputation or exposes us to legal claims;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• regulatory noncompliance, compliance mandates and penalties from our regulators;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• failure to obtain in a timely manner and at reasonable prices the necessary fuel, such as coal and natural gas, building materials or other items needed to operate our facilities; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, leaks, floods, droughts, hurricanes, tornados, derecho events, ice storms, terrorism, cybersecurity incidents, wildfires, public health emergencies (including pandemics), acts of war, military invasions, civil unrest, geopolitical conflict or other similar occurrences, including any environmental impacts related thereto, which catastrophic events may require participation in mutual assistance efforts by us or other utilities to assist in power restoration efforts, and for which our emergency preparedness plans may not be adequate or we may not respond effectively, which could result in public or employee harm.

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Such events may result in a decrease or elimination of revenue from our facilities, an increase in the cost of operating our facilities, environmental or property damage, delays in cash collections, harm to our reputation, legal proceedings, less favorable legislative and regulatory outcomes, changes to policies, laws and regulations or increased regulatory oversight, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Such events have and may in the future result in the imposition of regulatory or environmental fines and increased litigation.

***Our businesses will continue to have to adapt to, integrate and implement technological change and may not be successful implementing such technological change as designed or may have to make significant investments to adapt to and integrate technological change.***

We operate businesses that require sophisticated data collection, processing systems, software and other technology. Some of the technologies supporting the industries we serve are changing rapidly and increasing in complexity. New technologies will emerge or evolve that may deliver superior capabilities to, or may not be compatible with, some of our existing technologies, and may require us to make significant investments so that we can continue to provide cost-effective and reliable technology solutions to support energy production and delivery. Our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to anticipate, adapt to, integrate and implement technological changes in a timely and cost-effective manner, to offer, on a timely basis, reliable services that meet customer demands and evolving industry standards and to recover all, or a significant portion of, any unrecovered investment, including obsolete assets. Accordingly, we periodically implement new or enhanced technology, including information systems. Implementation of such new technology, including information systems, can, and pursuant to certain projects included in our 10-year capital plan, will, require the commitment of significant, sufficiently skilled personnel, engagement of third parties, substantial capital investment and additional administration and operating expenses, and entails risks to our business operations. If the integration or implementation of technology, including information systems, as designed is delayed or unsuccessful, we may not realize anticipated productivity improvements or cost efficiencies and may experience interruptions in service and operational difficulties, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Our 10-year capital plan additionally calls for the rapid integration and implementation of new technologies such as advanced grid infrastructure, which increases exposure to potential grid instability and technology obsolescence. If we fail to successfully adapt to, integrate and implement a technological change, fail to obtain access to important technologies, incur significant expenditures in adapting to technological change, or if implemented technology does not operate as anticipated, our regulatory recovery could be negatively impacted and our businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.

***Our insurance coverage may not be sufficient. Insufficient insurance coverage and increased insurance costs could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.***

We currently have insurance in place, such as general liability, excess liability and property insurance, to cover, among other things, certain of our facilities and third-party bodily injury in amounts that we consider appropriate. Such policies are subject to certain limits and deductibles and do not include business interruption coverage. Insurance coverage premiums continue to increase, and insurance coverage may not be available in the future at current costs or on commercially reasonable terms, and the insurance proceeds received for any loss of, or any damage to, any of our facilities may not be sufficient to fully cover or restore the loss or damage without negative impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Certain types of damages, expenses or claimed costs, such as fines and penalties, have been in the past and may in the future be excluded under the policies. In addition, insurers providing insurance to us have in the past and may in the future dispute and raise defenses to coverage under the terms and conditions of the respective insurance policies, which can result in a denial of coverage or limit the amount of insurance proceeds available to us. Any losses for which we are not fully insured or that are not covered by insurance at all could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Costs, damages and other liabilities related to recent events and incidents that affected other utilities, such as wildfires, winter storms and explosions, among other things, have exceeded or could exceed such utilities' insurance coverage. Further, as a result of these recent events and incidents, the marketplace for insurance coverage to utility companies may be unavailable or limited in capacity or any such available coverage may be deemed by us to be cost prohibitive under current conditions. Insurance premiums for any such coverage, if available, may not be eligible for recovery, whether in full or in part, by us through the rates charged by our utility businesses.

In common with other companies in its line of business that serve coastal regions, Houston Electric does not have insurance covering its transmission and distribution system, other than substations, because Houston Electric believes it to be cost prohibitive and insurance capacity to be limited. Historically, Houston Electric has been able to recover the costs incurred in restoring its transmission and distribution properties following hurricanes or other disasters through issuance of storm restoration bonds or a change in its regulated rates or otherwise. In the future, any such recovery may not be granted. For

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example, Houston Electric is seeking to recover the system restoration costs associated with Hurricane Beryl and certain other significant storms through the issuance and sale of non-recourse system restoration bonds. Although Houston Electric expects to receive the net proceeds from its offering of system restoration bonds on February 26, 2026, there can be no assurance that the system restoration costs will be recovered in the amounts expected or on the expected timeline. Therefore, Houston Electric may not be able to restore any loss of, or damage to, any of its transmission and distribution properties without negative impact on its business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

***Global or regional health pandemics, epidemics or similar public health threats could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.***

Public health threats, including pandemics and epidemics, and any third-party actions taken to contain the spread and mitigate the public health threats, have had and may in the future have widespread impacts on the global economy, our supply chain and our employees, customers and supply chain stakeholders. Any future health threat could have potentially material impacts on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The ultimate impact of public health threats on our business depends on factors beyond our knowledge or control and we might not be able to predict or respond to all impacts on a timely basis to prevent near- or long-term adverse impacts to our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

***Failure to attract, motivate and retain an appropriately qualified workforce, identify and develop top talent to succeed senior management and maintain good labor relations could adversely impact the operations of our facilities and our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.***

Our businesses and ability to implement our strategies are dependent on recruiting, retaining and motivating employees, including senior executive officers and other key personnel. Like many companies in the utilities industry and other industries, we have experienced higher than normal turnover of employees as a result of a number of factors, including a tightening labor market, remote working opportunities, employees shifting industries, individuals deciding not to work and a maturing workforce. Of our employee population, not including employees of Energy Systems Group prior to its divestiture on June 30, 2023 or temporary employees, 17.1%, 18.2%, and 18.7% were retirement eligible as of December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. Certain circumstances, such as an aging workforce without appropriate replacements, a mismatch of existing skillsets to future needs, increased turnover or the unavailability of contract resources, may lead to operating challenges such as a lack of resources, loss of knowledge or a lengthy time period associated with skill development. Our costs, including costs to replace employees, productivity costs, health care costs and safety costs, may rise and may not be recoverable in rates. Failure to hire and adequately train replacement employees, including the transfer of significant internal historical knowledge and expertise to the new employees, or the future availability and cost of sufficiently skilled contract labor may lead to safety concerns and adversely affect the ability to manage and operate our businesses, particularly the specialized skills and knowledge required to construct and operate generation facilities, a technology-enabled power grid and transmission and distribution infrastructure, among other facilities. Additionally, further tightening of the labor market and increasing wages may adversely affect our ability to attract, transition and retain key personnel, which could, in turn, negatively impact our ability to identify, motivate and develop talent to succeed senior management. If we are unable to successfully attract and retain an appropriately qualified workforce and conduct appropriate senior management succession planning, our ability to execute on our 10-year capital plan and our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be negatively affected.

Furthermore, the operations of our facilities depend on good labor relations with our employees, and several of our businesses have in place collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions, comprising approximately 42% of our workforce. We have several separate bargaining units, each with a unique collective bargaining agreement described further in Note 8(j) to the consolidated financial statements, which information is incorporated herein by reference. The collective bargaining agreements with IBEW Locals 1393 and USW Locals 12213 & 7441 related to Indiana Gas employees, as well as with IBEW Local 66 related to Houston Electric employees, are scheduled to expire in December 2026 (IBEW Local 1393 & USW Locals 12213 & 7441) and May 2026 (IBEW Local 66), and negotiations of these agreements are expected to be completed before the respective expirations. The collective bargaining agreement with OPEIU Local 12 related primarily to CERC employees in Minnesota expired in December 2025 and negotiations are ongoing. Any failure to reach an agreement on new labor contracts or to negotiate these labor contracts might result in strikes, boycotts or other labor disruptions. These potential labor disruptions could have an adverse effect on our businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Labor disruptions, strikes or significant negotiated wage and benefit increases, whether due to union activities, employee turnover or otherwise, could have an adverse effect on our businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

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**Item 1B.*Unresolved Staff Comments***

None.

**Item 1C.** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***Cybersecurity***

Our processes for assessing, identifying, and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats are part of our overall enterprise risk management system and processes. Enterprise risks, including cybersecurity risks, and their associated mitigations are reviewed at least annually by senior management and the Board. Throughout the year, we regularly assess our cybersecurity program and continue to invest in hardening and maturing our cybersecurity measures as further described below.

*Risk Management Strategy and Processes*

We maintain a cybersecurity program to help us assess, identify, and manage cybersecurity risks to our systems and data, including to help us defend against and mitigate emerging and existing cybersecurity threats to our information technology and operational technology systems. Our strategies and processes for managing cybersecurity risks are informed by relevant industry frameworks and laws, regulations and standards applicable to us in the jurisdictions in which we do business, including those applicable to utilities that operate bulk electric systems or critical pipeline facilities. We maintain various policies, procedures, technologies and other controls to help prevent, detect, mitigate and manage cybersecurity threats and incidents. We also use third-party consultants and service providers to support our risk management efforts, such as services for cybersecurity intelligence, monitoring, testing and assessments.

Key aspects of our risk management processes include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• <u>Threat Monitoring</u>. We receive information on emerging cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities from different sources, including vendors, cybersecurity organizations and U.S. government agencies, to help support our ability to detect and defend against threats to the security of our information technology and operational technology systems. We maintain several cybersecurity monitoring tools and services to help us detect unauthorized activities involving our systems and potential cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities to our systems.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• <u>Incident Response</u>. We maintain a Cybersecurity Operations Center that is dedicated to monitoring for cybersecurity threats to our systems and responding to potential cybersecurity incidents. We also maintain cybersecurity incident response plans that establish a cross-functional incident response team and processes to guide our response to cybersecurity incidents, including processes for reporting and escalating cybersecurity incidents to senior management and the Audit Committee or the Board, as appropriate. We conduct tabletop exercises regularly to test our incident response processes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• <u>Assessments, Testing and Audits</u>. We conduct different types of security assessments, testing and audits to help us proactively identify and mitigate potential cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities to our information technology and operational technology systems. For example, we conduct security-related risk assessments on proposed software, hardware and third-party technology solutions used by CenterPoint Energy prior to deployment in our network. We also undergo periodic vulnerability assessments, penetration tests and cybersecurity reviews of our systems and security controls. We engage third parties to support certain of these assessments and tests and to provide guidance and support to our cybersecurity management team. Our internal audit team also conducts audits of certain CenterPoint Energy systems and data security controls.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• <u>Third-Party Risk Management</u>. We maintain a vendor risk management program, a component of which assesses the cybersecurity and data privacy practices of certain third-party service providers to help us assess and manage cybersecurity risks associated with third-party access to our systems and data. To help identify and mitigate third-party cybersecurity risks, we conduct vendor security reviews and privacy impact assessments when deemed appropriate based on the nature of the systems and data that will be accessed by the third-party. We also impose contractual obligations on certain of our service providers related to data privacy, confidentiality and security based on, among other factors, their extent of access to our data and systems and the nature and sensitivity of the data and systems to which they have access.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• <u>Training and Awareness</u>. We hold regular employee trainings on privacy, cybersecurity, AI and records and information management, conduct simulated phishing tests, and generally seek to promote awareness of cybersecurity risk through communication and education of our employee population.

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As described in Item 1A "Risk Factors," our operations rely on the secure processing, storage, and transmission of confidential, sensitive and other information within our computer systems and networks. Computer viruses, threat actors, employee or vendor incidents and other external hazards could expose our information systems, and those of third parties who process our data, provide access to systems or that have access to our systems, to security breaches, cybersecurity incidents or other disruptions, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition, and subject us to possible legal claims and liability. While we have experienced cybersecurity incidents in the past, as of the date of the filing of this Form 10-K, CenterPoint Energy has not identified any cybersecurity threats that have materially affected or are reasonably anticipated to have a material effect on us, including our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition.

**Governance** 

*Board of Directors Oversight*

Our Audit Committee, comprised of independent directors from our Board, oversees the Board's responsibilities relating to CenterPoint Energy's cybersecurity, data privacy and AI programs, including cybersecurity and AI risk management and cybersecurity disclosures required by applicable securities laws or regulations, as appropriate. As part of its risk oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee receives quarterly reports from our Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Chief Security Officer (CSO) or other representatives from our cybersecurity or data privacy groups and periodic reports from our third-party consultants. These reports include updates on certain cybersecurity or data privacy matters, including, among other items, CenterPoint Energy's progress in maturing its cybersecurity program, results of cybersecurity assessments and testing, the cybersecurity landscape and emerging threats, status of ongoing initiatives and strategies, incident reports and learnings from any cybersecurity events, compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards, data privacy matters, and the cybersecurity budget.

*Risk Management Personnel*

CenterPoint Energy's Executive Vice President and General Counsel is responsible for overseeing our cybersecurity and data privacy programs. CenterPoint Energy's CSO is responsible for the day-to-day management of our cybersecurity program and reports directly to the Executive Vice President and General Counsel. CenterPoint Energy's Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer (CECO) is responsible for day-to-day management of our data privacy program and also reports directly to the Executive Vice President and General Counsel. Our cybersecurity and data privacy teams, which report directly to our CSO and CECO, respectively, are tasked with implementing our programs in support of cybersecurity and data privacy risk management. We also have management-level teams and committees, which include and/or collaborate with our CSO and CECO, that support, among other things, our processes to assess and manage cybersecurity risk. These teams and committees provide summary reports on their activities and initiatives to appropriate senior executives, including the Executive Vice President and General Counsel and the Audit Committee or the Board, as appropriate.

CenterPoint Energy's CSO joined CenterPoint Energy in September 2025 and has over two decades of experience in cybersecurity and risk management across diverse industries, and most recently served in senior leadership roles, including Chief Information Security Officer, for a global engineering, procurement, consulting and construction company. Our Executive Vice President and General Counsel has significant risk management, governance and litigation experience, which we believe are important leadership skills to help incorporate risk management, legal, disclosure and governance perspectives into the design of our cybersecurity program and in evaluating and responding to potential cybersecurity incidents.

**Item 2.*Properties***

The following discussion is based on the Registrants' businesses as of December 31, 2025.

**Character of Ownership**

We lease or own our principal properties in fee, including our corporate office space and various real property. Most of our electric lines and natural gas mains are located, pursuant to easements and other rights, on public roads or on land owned by others.

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**Electric (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric)**

*Properties*

All of Houston Electric's properties are located in Texas. Its properties consist primarily of high-voltage electric transmission lines and poles, distribution lines, substations, service centers, service wires, telecommunications networks and meters. Most of Houston Electric's transmission and distribution lines have been constructed over lands of others pursuant to easements or along public highways and streets under franchise agreements and as permitted by law. All real and tangible properties of Houston Electric, subject to certain exclusions, are currently subject to the lien of the M&DOT and the lien of the General Mortgage, which is junior to the lien of the M&DOT. No first mortgage bonds are outstanding under the M&DOT and Houston Electric is contractually obligated to not issue any additional first mortgage bonds under the M&DOT. Houston Electric is undertaking actions to release the lien of the M&DOT and terminate the M&DOT. For information related to debt outstanding under the General Mortgage, see Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

Indiana Electric's properties are primarily located in Indiana. They consist of transmission lines in Indiana and Kentucky, distribution lines, substations, service centers, coal-fired generating facilities, gas-fired turbine peaking units, a landfill gas electric generation facility and solar generation facilities. All real and tangible properties of Indiana Electric, subject to certain exclusions, are currently subject to the lien of the Amended and Restated Mortgage Indenture dated as of January 1, 2023, between SIGECO (Indiana Electric) and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (formerly known as Bankers Trust Company), as Trustee. For information related to debt outstanding under the Amended and Restated Mortgage Indenture, see Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

*Electric Lines - Transmission and Distribution.* As of December 31, 2025, Houston Electric and Indiana Electric owned and operated the following electric transmission and distribution lines:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Houston Electric** | **Houston Electric** | **Indiana Electric** | **Indiana Electric** |
|<br>**Description** | **Overhead Lines** | **Underground Lines** | **Indiana** | **Kentucky (1)** |
| **Transmission lines:** | **(in Circuit Miles)** | **(in Circuit Miles)** | **(in Circuit Miles)** | **(in Circuit Miles)** |
| 69 kV | 101 | 2 | 565 |  |
| 138 kV | 2352 | 24 | 417 | 9 |
| 345 kV | 1446 |  | 48 | 16 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | 3899 | 26 | 1030 | 25 |
| **Distribution lines** | 29718 | 29841 | 7174 |  |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)These assets interconnect with Louisville Gas and Electric Company's transmission system at Cloverport, Kentucky and with Big Rivers Electric Cooperative at Sebree, Kentucky.

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*Generating Capacity.* As of December 31, 2025, Indiana Electric had 1,228 MW of installed generating capacity, as set forth in the following table:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Generation Source** | **Unit No.** | **Location** | **Date in Service** | **Capacity<br>(MW)** |
| **Coal** | | | | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;F.B. Culley (1) | 2 | Warrick County, Indiana | 1966 | 90 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;F.B. Culley | 3 | Warrick County, Indiana | 1973 | 270 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Coal Capacity |  |  |  | 360 |
| **Gas** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Brown (2) | 3 | Posey County, Indiana | 1991 | 80 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brown | 4 | Posey County, Indiana | 2002 | 80 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brown | 5 | Posey County, Indiana | 2025 | 230 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brown | 6 | Posey County, Indiana | 2025 | 230 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Renewable Landfill Gas |  | Pike County, Indiana | 2009 | 3 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Gas Capacity |  |  |  | 623 |
| **Solar** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oak Hill |  | Evansville, Indiana | 2018 | 2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Volkman |  | Evansville, Indiana | 2018 | 2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Troy |  | Spencer County, Indiana | 2021 | 50 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Posey |  | Posey County, Indiana | 2025 | 191 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Solar Capacity |  |  |  | 245 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Generating Capacity (3) |  |  |  | 1228 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)While Indiana Electric's 2025 IRP (similar to previous IRPs) preferred portfolios included the retirement of F.B. Culley Unit 2, a coal-fired generation unit, by the end of 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency 202(c) order in December 2025 directing Indiana Electric to continue operating the unit through March 23, 2026. For further information about F.B. Culley 2, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Regulatory Matters" in Item 7 of Part II of this report, which discussion is incorporated herein by reference.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)Brown Unit 3 is also equipped to burn oil.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)Excludes 1.5% participation in OVEC. See Item 1. Business for more details.

*Natural Gas Combustion Turbines.* In 2022, Indiana Electric received approval from the IURC for a CPCN seeking approval to construct two natural gas combustion turbines to replace portions of its existing coal-fired generation fleet. In the second quarter of 2025, 230 MW of the facility was placed in service, and due to a transformer manufacturing issue, the remaining 230 MW of the facility was placed in service in the third quarter of 2025. For further information, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Regulatory Matters" in Item 7 of Part II of this report, which discussion is incorporated herein by reference.

*Solar.* 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. On September 6, 2023, the IURC issued an order approving the CPCN. On March 7, 2025, SIGECO completed the acquisition of Posey Solar. The Posey Solar project was placed in service in the second quarter of 2025. For further information about Indiana Electric's BTAs, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Regulatory Matters" in Item 7 of Part II of this report, which discussion is incorporated herein by reference.

*TEEEF.* As allowed by a law enacted by the Texas legislature after the February 2021 Winter Storm Event and amended in 2023, Houston Electric entered into leases for 15 large (27 MW to 32 MW) and five medium (5.7 MW) TEEEF. In June 2025, Houston Electric entered into the ERCOT Transaction, subject to PUCT approval, to release its large TEEEF units to ERCOT at CPS Energy facilities to serve the greater San Antonio region until March 2027 unless terminated earlier pursuant to the provisions of the ERCOT Transaction, reduce its TEEEF fleet capacity and reduce its rates to reflect the removal of the large TEEEF units from its fleet. In November 2025, Houston Electric also proposed to release the five medium (5.7 MW) TEEEF units from its TEEEF fleet and remove the associated lease costs effective January 1, 2026. On February 13, 2026, Houston Electric requested continued abatement until February 27, 2026 due to continued settlement discussions. As of December 31, 2025, Houston Electric leased 519 MW of TEEEF on a long-term basis. For more information, see Note 7 and Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements.

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*Substations.* A substation is a facility that transforms electricity from a higher voltage to a lower voltage or vice versa. Generally, this facility is the interface between the transmission system and the distribution grid. The following table presents certain information related to CenterPoint Energy's substations as of December 31, 2025:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number of Substations** | **Transformer Capacity (in Mva)** |
| Houston Electric | 246 | 74665 |
| Indiana Electric | 109 | 7027 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total CenterPoint Energy | 355 | 81692 |

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*Service Centers.* Service centers consist of office buildings, warehouses and repair facilities that are used in the business of transmitting and distributing electricity. The following table presents certain information related to CenterPoint Energy's service centers as of December 31, 2025:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number of** <br>**Service Centers** | **Acres of Land** |
| Houston Electric | 13 | 362 |
| Indiana Electric | 6 | 69 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total CenterPoint Energy | 19 | 431 |

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**Natural Gas (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)**

CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses use various third-party storage services or owned natural gas storage facilities to meet peak-day requirements and to manage the daily changes in demand due to changes in weather. CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses may also supplement contracted supplies and storage from time to time with stored LNG and propane-air plant production.

As of December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses owned and operated the following natural gas facilities:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **No. of Assets** | **Storage Capacity (Bcf)** | **Working Capacity (Bcf)** | **Maximum Daily Withdrawal Rate (MMcf)** |
| **CenterPoint Energy** | | | | |
| Underground Natural Gas Storage Facility | 8 | 43 | 14 | 305 |
| **CERC** |  |  |  |  |
| Underground Natural Gas Storage Facility | 5 | 32 | 9 | 205 |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | | | **On-site Storage Capacity** | **On-site Storage Capacity** |
| |<br>**No. of Assets** |<br>**Daily Production Rate (Dth)** | **Millions of Gallons** | **Dth** |
| **CenterPoint Energy and CERC** | | | | |
| Propane Air-Gas Manufacturing Plant | 15 | 247000 | 14 | 1228000 |
| LNG Plant Facility | 1 | 72000 | 12 | 1010000 |

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The table below reflects CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses contracted upstream storage services as of December 31, 2025:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Storage Capacity (Bcf)** | **Maximum Peak Daily Delivery (MMcf)** |
| Upstream Storage Service | 100 | 2,209 |

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The table below reflects the approximate total linear miles of distribution and transmission mains owned by CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses as of December 31, 2025:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **CERC** |
| All Locations | 72000 | 69000 |
| Indiana and Ohio (1) | 23000 | 20000 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Linear miles of distribution and transmission mains attributable to CEOH were approximately 6,000 miles.

CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses owned mains varying in size from one-half inch to 24 inches in diameter. CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses in Indiana and Ohio own mains that are located in Indiana and Ohio except for, in the case of CenterPoint Energy, pipeline facilities extending from points in northern Kentucky to points in southern Indiana so that gas may be transported to Indiana and sold or transported to customers in Indiana. Generally, in each of the cities, towns and rural areas served by CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses, CenterPoint Energy and CERC own the underground gas mains and service lines, metering and regulating equipment located on customers' premises and the district regulating equipment necessary for pressure maintenance. With a few exceptions, the measuring stations at which CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses receive gas are owned, operated and maintained by others, and their distribution facilities begin at the outlet of the measuring equipment. These facilities, including odorizing equipment, are usually located on land owned by suppliers.

As of December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy and CERC, through CEIP, owned and operated over 208 miles of intrastate pipeline in Texas. On March 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., completed the sale of its Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses, which included the intrastate pipelines owned by CEIP in Louisiana. On October 20, 2025, CenterPoint Energy, through CERC Corp., entered into the Ohio Securities Purchase Agreement to sell all of the issued and outstanding equity interests in CEOH. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. For further information, see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

**Item 3.*Legal Proceedings***

For a discussion of material legal and regulatory proceedings, including environmental legal proceedings that involve a governmental authority as a party and that the Registrants reasonably believe would result in $1,000,000 or more of monetary sanctions, exclusive of interest and costs, under federal, state and local laws that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment or primarily for the purpose of protecting the environment, affecting the Registrants, read "Business — Regulation" and "Business — Environmental Matters" in Item 1 of this report, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Regulatory Matters" in Item 7 of Part II of this report and Note 14(c) to the consolidated financial statements, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

**Item 4.*Mine Safety Disclosures***

Not applicable.

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**PART II**

This combined Form 10-K is filed separately by three registrants: CenterPoint Energy, Inc., CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.

**Item 5.*Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities***

**CenterPoint Energy**

As of February 13, 2026, CenterPoint Energy's common stock was held by approximately 20,378 shareholders of record. CenterPoint Energy's common stock is listed on the NYSE and NYSE Texas and is traded under the symbol "CNP."

The amount of future cash dividends will be subject to determination based upon CenterPoint Energy's financial condition and results of operations, future business prospects, any applicable contractual restrictions and other factors that the Board considers relevant and will be declared at the discretion of the Board. For further information on CenterPoint Energy's dividends, see Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements.

*Repurchases of Equity Securities*

During the quarter ended December 31, 2025, none of CenterPoint Energy's equity securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, were purchased by or on behalf of CenterPoint Energy or any "affiliated purchasers," as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

**Houston Electric**

As of February 13, 2026, all of Houston Electric's 1,000 outstanding common shares were held by Utility Holding, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy.

**CERC**

As of February 13, 2026, all of CERC Corp.'s 1,000 outstanding shares of common stock were held by Utility Holding, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy.

**Item 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Reserved]***

**Item 7.*Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations***

*The following combined discussion and analysis should be read in combination with the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 herein. The discussion of CenterPoint Energy's consolidated financial information includes the results of CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp., which, along with CenterPoint Energy, Inc., are collectively referred to as the Registrants. Where appropriate, information relating to a specific Registrant has been segregated and labeled as such. Unless the context indicates otherwise, specific references to Houston Electric and CERC also pertain to CenterPoint Energy. In this combined Form 10-K, 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 representation as to the information relating to the other Registrants or the subsidiaries of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. other than itself or its subsidiaries.*

**OVERVIEW**

**Background**

CenterPoint Energy is a public utility holding company. CenterPoint Energy's operating subsidiaries own and operate electric transmission, distribution and generation facilities and natural gas distribution systems. For a detailed description of CenterPoint Energy's operating subsidiaries, see Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.

Houston Electric is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, which provides electric transmission service to transmission service customers in the ERCOT region and distribution service to REPs serving the Texas Gulf Coast area that includes the city of Houston.

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CERC Corp. is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, which (i) directly owns and operates natural gas distribution systems in Minnesota and Texas, (ii) indirectly, through Indiana Gas and CEOH, owns and operates natural gas distribution systems in Indiana and Ohio, respectively, and (iii) owns and operates permanent pipeline connections through interconnects with various interstate and intrastate pipeline companies through CEIP.

On October 20, 2025, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., entered into the Ohio Securities Purchase Agreement to sell all of the issued and outstanding equity interests in CEOH. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. For further information, see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

**Reportable Segments**

We discuss our operating results on a consolidated basis and individually for each of our reportable segments. We are first and foremost an energy delivery company and it is our intention to remain focused on these regulated segments. The results of our business operations are significantly impacted by weather, customer growth, economic conditions, cost management, competition, rate proceedings before regulatory agencies and other actions of the various regulatory agencies to whose jurisdiction we are subject, among other factors.

Below is a summary of CenterPoint Energy's reportable segments as of December 31, 2025. For a detailed description of each reportable segment, as well as the assets included in each reportable segment, see Part I, Item 1. Business and Item 2. Properties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Electric reportable segment consisted of electric transmission and distribution services in the Texas Gulf Coast area in the ERCOT region and electric transmission and distribution services primarily to southwestern Indiana and includes power generation and wholesale power operations in the MISO region.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Natural Gas reportable segment consisted of (i) intrastate natural gas sales to, and natural gas transportation and distribution for, residential, commercial and industrial customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas; (ii) permanent pipeline connections through interconnects with various interstate and intrastate pipeline companies through CEIP; (iii) residential appliance repair and maintenance services along with HVAC equipment sales to customers in Minnesota; and (iv) home repair protection plans to natural gas customers in Indiana, Ohio and Texas through a third party. The Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses were included in the Natural Gas reportable segment through March 31, 2025. See Note 4 for additional detail.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Corporate and Other reportable segment consisted of (i) energy performance contracting and sustainable infrastructure services by Energy Systems Group through June 30, 2023, the date of the sale of Energy Systems Group; (ii) corporate support operations that support all of CenterPoint Energy's business operations; and (iii) office buildings and other real estate used for business operations.

Houston Electric and CERC each consist of a single reportable segment.

**EXECUTIVE SUMMARY**

We expect our businesses to continue to be affected by the key factors and trends discussed below. Our expectations are based on assumptions made by us and information currently available to us. To the extent our underlying assumptions about, or interpretations of, available information prove to be incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from our expected results.

**Factors Influencing Our Businesses and Industry Trends**

We are an energy delivery company with electric transmission, distribution and generation operations and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than seven million metered customers across four states. The majority of our revenues are generated from the transmission and delivery of electricity and the sale of natural gas by our subsidiaries.

We continue to execute on our strategic goals for our businesses that were set in September 2025. Pursuant to this business strategy and in light of the nature of our businesses, significant capital investments are reflected in our new 10-year capital plan. In September 2025, we announced our new 10-year capital plan to invest $65 billion from 2026 through 2035, inclusive of a $2 billion increase in previously planned capital expenditures through 2030, and in February 2026, we announced an additional increase to reflect total expenditures of approximately $65.5 billion. Our 10-year capital plan is intended to advance economic

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growth, improve the experience of our customers through enhancing the safety, reliability and resiliency of our systems and deliver consistent value for stakeholders across the jurisdictions in which we operate. These investments are not only intended to meet our customers' current needs, but are also in anticipation of future organic growth from a diverse set of economic drivers. This organic growth is anticipated to result in rapid load growth in our service territories (as further discussed below). To fund these capital investments, we rely on internally-generated cash, borrowings under our credit facilities, proceeds from commercial paper, cash proceeds from strategic transactions (such as our Energy Systems Group divestiture in 2023, the sale of our Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses in 2025 and the announced sale of our Ohio natural gas LDC business, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026) and issuances of equity and debt securities in the capital markets, including the issuance of non-recourse system restoration bonds at Houston Electric to recover costs incurred primarily during the year ended December 31, 2024 due to the May 2024 Storm Events, as well as Hurricane Beryl and other significant storms.

We strive to maintain investment grade ratings for our debt securities to access the capital markets on terms we consider reasonable. A reduction in our ratings generally would result in an increase in our borrowing costs for new issuances of debt, as well as borrowing costs under our existing revolving credit facilities, and may prevent us from accessing the commercial paper markets. Disruptions in the financial markets along with high or rising interest rates can also affect the availability of external financing on terms we consider attractive. In those circumstances, we may not be able to obtain certain types of external financing or may be required to accept terms less favorable than we would otherwise accept which, among other things, would negatively impact our ability to finance our capital plan. For that reason, we seek to maintain adequate liquidity for our businesses through existing credit facilities and prudent refinancing of existing debt.

Approximately 85% of our rate base has been subject to a rate case since the beginning of 2023, which supports clarity and stability through 2029 with final orders improving enterprise weighted average returns on equity. Additionally, approximately 85% of CenterPoint Energy's projected consolidated investments are expected to be recovered through interim capital recovery trackers or rate cases based on a forward test year. For additional detail, see "—Liquidity and Capital Resources —Regulatory Matters" below.

To assess our financial performance, our management primarily monitors the recovery of costs and return on investments by evaluating net income and capital expenditures, among other metrics, from our regulated service territories within our reportable segments. Within these broader financial measures, we monitor margins, natural gas and fuel costs, interest expense, capital spend, working capital requirements and operation and maintenance expense, among other significant metrics. In addition to these financial measures, we also monitor a number of variables that management considers important to gauge the performance of our reportable segments, including the number of customers, throughput, commodity prices, heating and cooling degree days, safety factors, system reliability and customer satisfaction.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC have weather normalization or other rate mechanisms that largely mitigate the impact of weather on their natural gas distribution businesses in Indiana, Minnesota and Ohio, as applicable. CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution businesses in Texas and CenterPoint Energy's electric operations in Texas and Indiana do not have such mechanisms. As a result, fluctuations from normal weather may have a positive or negative effect on CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas distribution business' results in Texas and on CenterPoint Energy's electric operations' results in its Texas and Indiana service territories.

Management anticipates significant growth in electric demand over the next decade, especially in our Houston Electric territory where we forecast a nearly 50% increase in peak electric load demand to over 30 GW by 2029 and the demand nearly doubling by the mid 2030s, as compared to 2024. It is expected that the significant forecasted growth in this service territory will be driven by a diverse set of economic drivers, including data centers, energy refining and exports, advanced manufacturing and logistics. Management additionally believes that there are increased electric demand opportunities in our Indiana Electric jurisdiction; accordingly, Indiana Electric's 2025 IRP included a large load scenario with a corresponding alternative preferred portfolio. Additionally, management expects residential meter growth for Houston Electric to remain in line with long-term trends at approximately 2% annually. As discussed above, a significant portion of the planned investments in our new 10-year capital plan are intended to support this growth. There is significant uncertainty with respect to the forecasted load growth and our ability to capitalize on the opportunities presented by these developments. For more information regarding such risks, see Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors — General and Other Risks — We are exposed to risks related to changes in demand and energy consumption..." Typical customer growth in the jurisdictions served by the Natural Gas reportable segment is approximately 1% annually. Management expects residential meter growth for CERC to remain in line with long-term trends at approximately 1% annually. Nevertheless, this expected growth may be partially offset by adverse economic conditions, coupled with concerns for protecting the environment and increased availability of alternate energy sources, which may cause consumers to use less energy or avoid expansions of their facilities, including natural gas facilities. Long-term national trends indicate residential customers have reduced their energy consumption, which could adversely affect

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our results. To the extent population growth is affected by lower energy prices and there is financial pressure on some of our customers who operate within the energy industry, there may be an impact on the growth rate of our customer base and overall demand for our services.

Macroeconomic and geopolitical developments, including high rates of inflation, supply chain disruptions, labor market constraints, tariffs, high interest rates, general economic slowdown and escalating global conflicts can impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow, including adversely impacting our ability to execute on our 10-year capital plan. Inflation and high interest rates have contributed, and may continue to contribute, to increased prices for materials and services experienced by us and other companies in our industry. Further, the global supply chain has experienced and may continue to experience significant disruptions due to a multitude of factors, such as geopolitical and economic uncertainty, regulatory and policy instability, tariffs and other changes in U.S. and foreign trade policy, changes in laws (including tax laws), executive orders, labor shortages, resource availability, long lead times, manufacturer production limitations, delivery delays, inflation, severe weather events and disruptions to internal or international shipping, including as a result of armed conflicts. We have also faced, and may continue to face, a shortage of experienced and qualified personnel in certain positions, which has resulted in increased competition for skilled labor and wage inflation. Additionally, increased demand for materials necessary for our business has resulted, and may continue to result, in greater competition for and scarcity of such materials. In 2025 and 2026, the U.S. government threatened, announced and, in certain cases, rescinded, tariffs on several foreign jurisdictions and imports (including steel) into the United States, which led, and may continue to lead, to the imposition of retaliatory tariffs and other measures taken by foreign jurisdictions. There is significant uncertainty as to the scope and durability of existing and future tariff measures, as well as the ultimate effects of the tariffs on economic conditions. These macroeconomic and geopolitical developments have adversely impacted the utility industry, and like many of our peers, we have experienced disruptions to our supply chain, as well as increased prices and scarcity of resources and labor, and we may continue to experience this in the future. These developments have impacted our financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025. We have taken actions across multiple vectors to reduce the impact of such developments on our results of operations, but if such conditions continue, they could negatively impact our ability to procure materials, supplies (such as natural gas) or services necessary for our business and 10-year capital plan at a reasonable cost in a timely manner, result in project cancellations or scope changes, delays, cost overruns, and under-recovery of costs and challenges to our ability to remain in compliance with applicable laws, regulations and policies, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. For more information regarding such risk, see Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors — Risk Factors Affecting Financial, Economic and Market Risks — Disruptions to the global supply chain..." and "— Changes in U.S. or foreign trade policies."

The utility industry has experienced a period of rising costs and investments and an upward trend in spending, especially with respect to infrastructure investments. As noted above, we are making, and plan to continue to make, significant capital investments in our service territories under our 10-year capital plan to help operate and maintain safer, more reliable and growing electric and natural gas systems and support the electric demand growth that management is forecasting over the next decade. Rising costs and investments and the upward trend in spending are likely to continue in the foreseeable future and could result in more frequent rate cases and requests for, and the continuation of, cost recovery mechanisms. Increased rates and impacts on customer bills or the perceived potential for such impacts, particularly in the current economic environment, has caused and could continue to cause customer affordability concerns, resistance from customers and other stakeholders and increased political, regulatory, community and other scrutiny and pressures. For example, in consideration of customer affordability concerns, Indiana Electric cancelled nearly $1 billion in renewable energy generation projects in 2025. These matters could impact our ability to execute our 10-year capital plan, result in adverse ratemaking and cost recovery determinations, increased financing needs and otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. For more information regarding such risk, see Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors."

**Significant Events** 

***Updated 10-Year Capital Plan.*** On September 29, 2025, CenterPoint Energy announced a new 10-year capital plan to invest $65 billion from 2026 through 2035, inclusive of a $2 billion increase in previously planned capital expenditures through 2030. On February 19, 2026, CenterPoint Energy announced an additional increase of $500 million to reflect total capital expenditures of approximately $65.5 billion through 2035. The plan is expected to advance economic growth, enhance the experience of the Registrants' customers and deliver consistent value for stakeholders across the Registrants' jurisdictions.

***Treasury Notice 2026-7.*** On February 18, 2026, Treasury Notice 2026-7 was issued. This notice clarifies the computation of AFSI by including an adjustment to deduct certain repair and maintenance costs that are capitalized in the applicable financial statement. While CenterPoint Energy is still evaluating this guidance, it expects a prospective reduction to its annual CAMT liability. Additionally, CenterPoint Energy expects to be able to amend prior year tax returns to claim a refund of CAMT paid.

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***TEEEF.*** In June 2025, Houston Electric entered into the ERCOT Transaction, subject to PUCT approval, to release its 15 large (27 MW to 32 MW) TEEEF units to ERCOT at CPS Energy facilities to serve the greater San Antonio region until March 2027 unless terminated earlier pursuant to the provisions of the ERCOT Transaction, reduce its TEEEF fleet capacity and reduce its rates to reflect removal of the large TEEEF units from its fleet. Following the completion of service in the San Antonio area, Houston Electric anticipates that it would complete one or more future transactions involving its large TEEEF units. As the large TEEEF units would not be available to serve Houston Electric customers during such time, Houston Electric plans to continue to not charge customers for these units for any future periods. In November 2025, Houston Electric proposed to release its five medium (5.7 MW) TEEEF units and to remove the associated lease costs from its rates effective January 1, 2026. On February 13, 2026, Houston Electric requested continued abatement until February 27, 2026 due to continued settlement discussions. For additional information, see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

***Debt Transactions.*** In 2025, CenterPoint Energy issued or borrowed a combined $3.7 billion of new debt, including: (i) SIGECO's issuance of $515 million aggregate principal amount of its first mortgage bonds; (ii) Houston Electric's issuance of $1.1 billion aggregate principal amount of its general mortgage bonds; (iii) Restoration Bond Company II's issuance of approximately $401.5 million aggregate principal amount of its securitization bonds; (iv) CenterPoint Energy's issuance of $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of its convertible senior notes due 2028; and (v) CenterPoint Energy's issuance of $700 million aggregate principal amount of its junior subordinated notes. During 2025, CenterPoint Energy repaid or redeemed a combined $61 million of outstanding debt, including $41 million of SIGECO's first mortgage bonds and $20 million of Indiana Gas's senior notes. In addition, CenterPoint Energy repurchased a combined of approximately $1.5 billion of outstanding debt in connection with settlement of its tender offers, including: (i) approximately $963 million of its senior notes; (ii) approximately $415 million of CERC's senior notes; and (iii) approximately $234 million of Houston Electric's general mortgage bonds. For further information about debt transactions in 2025, see Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements. In January 2026, CERC Corp. entered into a delayed draw term loan agreement pursuant to which the banks party thereto have committed to provide term loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $800 million by March 30, 2026 in up to three separate borrowings, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain customary conditions. If not fully utilized, the term loan commitments expire on March 31, 2026. CERC Corp. borrowed $500 million on January 20, 2026, and expects to borrow the remaining $300 million during the first quarter of 2026. For further information, see Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements.

***Assets Held for Sale.*** On October 20, 2025, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., entered into the Ohio Securities Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which CERC Corp. has agreed to sell all of the issued and outstanding equity interests in CEOH. The purchase price is $2.62 billion, which is comprised of the following: (i) $1.42 billion in cash payable to CERC Corp. upon closing of the transaction, subject to adjustments as set forth in the Ohio Securities Purchase Agreement, including adjustments based on net working capital, regulatory assets and liabilities and capital expenditures at closing of the transaction; and (ii) a 364-day seller promissory note, in the original principal amount of $1.2 billion, to be issued by NFGC at the closing of the transaction and payable to CERC Corp. as provided by the terms and conditions of the Seller Note Agreement. The transaction is not subject to a financing condition and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. As of December 31, 2025, the assets included approximately 6,000 miles of transmission and distribution pipeline in Ohio serving approximately 337,000 metered customers. CEOH is reflected in CenterPoint Energy's Natural Gas reportable segment and CERC's single reportable segment, as applicable. For further information, see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

***CenterPoint Energy Board Leadership Structure Changes.*** On October 8, 2025, the Board unanimously appointed Jason P. Wells, Chief Executive Officer and President of CenterPoint Energy, to serve as Chair of the Board, effective immediately. Mr. Wells has served as a director on the Board since January 5, 2024. In addition, the Board approved the creation of a Lead Independent Director of the Board position and the independent directors of the Board unanimously appointed independent director Christopher H. Franklin to serve as the Lead Independent Director of the Board, effective immediately.

***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 of CenterPoint Energy, effective August 11, 2025.

***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 TCJA 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 have assessed the potential effects of the OBBBA and Executive Order 14315 and concluded that neither is expected to have a material impact on their

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future financial results because the Registrants have limited generation activities qualifying for tax credits under the IRA. The Registrants will consider the impacts of the OBBBA and Executive Order 14315, as well as related guidance, on any future generation projects, including any BTAs or PPAs, as applicable.

***Equity Transactions.*** In April 2025, Centerpoint Energy entered into forward sales agreements pursuant to the Equity Distribution Agreement with certain of the ATM Forward Purchasers. In May 2025, CenterPoint Energy entered into separate forward sale agreements with certain financial institutions. For further information about forward sales in 2025, see Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements.

***Regulatory Proceedings.*** In 2024, Houston Electric filed an Application for Determination of System Restoration Costs and a Financing Order with the PUCT for the May 2024 Storm Events, which were settled in 2025. In 2025, Houston Electric filed an Application for Determination of System Restoration Costs and a Financing Order with the PUCT for Hurricane Beryl and subsequent storm events, which were settled in 2025. For further information, see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements. For information related to our pending and completed regulatory proceedings in 2025 and to date in 2026, see "—Liquidity and Capital Resources —Regulatory Matters" below.

**CERTAIN FACTORS AFFECTING FUTURE EARNINGS** 

Our past earnings and results of operations are not necessarily indicative of our future earnings and results of operations. The magnitude of our future earnings and results of our operations will depend on or be affected by numerous factors that apply to all Registrants unless otherwise indicated including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The business strategies and strategic initiatives, restructurings, joint ventures and acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses involving us or our industry, including the ability to successfully complete such strategies, initiatives, transactions or plans on the timelines we expect or at all, such as the announced sale of our Ohio natural gas LDC business, which we cannot assure will have the anticipated benefits to us;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• industrial, commercial and residential growth in our service territories and changes in market demand and energy consumption, including in relation to the expansion of data centers (associated with, among other things, increasing demand for AI), energy refining and exports, advanced manufacturing and logistics, as well as the effects of energy efficiency measures, technological advances and demographic patterns, and our ability to appropriately estimate/forecast and effectively manage such demand and the business opportunities relating to such matters;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our ability to fund and invest planned capital and the timely recovery of our investments, including the timing of and amounts sought for those related to our 10-year capital plan;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our ability to execute and complete our planned capital projects and programs, including those within our 10-year capital plan, in a timely and cost-effective manner and within budget, obtain the anticipated benefits of such projects, and manage costs and impacts of such projects on customer affordability;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our ability to successfully construct, operate, repair, maintain, replace and restart electric generating facilities, natural gas facilities, TEEEF and electric transmission facilities, as applicable, including in the event of an outage and in relation to complying with applicable environmental, reliability and safety standards;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• timely and appropriate rate actions that allow and authorize timely recovery of costs and a reasonable return on investment, including the timing of and amounts sought for recovery of Houston Electric's applicable TEEEF leases and restoration costs relating to, among other things, Hurricane Beryl, and requested or favorable adjustments to rates and approval of other requested items as part of base rate proceedings or interim rate mechanisms;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the timing and success of, and our ability to obtain approval for matters relating to, Houston Electric's release of its large TEEEF units to the San Antonio area, proposed release of its medium TEEEF units, reduction of its TEEEF fleet capacity and reduction of rates to reflect the removal of the large and medium TEEEF units from Houston Electric's TEEEF fleet, as well as Houston Electric's ability to complete one or more other future transactions involving the large and medium TEEEF units on acceptable terms and conditions within the anticipated timeframe;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• economic conditions in regional and national markets, including economic uncertainty and volatility, potential for recession, changes to and increases in inflation and interest rates, and their effect on sales, prices and costs;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• severe weather events, natural disasters and other climate-related impacts, including the impact of severe weather events on operations, capital, legislation and/or regulations, such as seen in connection with the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, the May 2024 Storm Events and Hurricane Beryl;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• volatility in the markets for natural gas as a result of, among other factors, inflation, adverse weather conditions, supply and demand changes, availability of competitively priced alternative energy sources, political and geopolitical instability, commodity production levels and storage capacity, energy and environmental legislation and regulation and economic and financial market conditions;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• non-payment for our services due to financial distress of our customers and the ability of our customers, including REPs, to satisfy their obligations to CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and CERC, and the negative impact on such ability related to adverse economic conditions and severe weather events;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• public health threats, and their effect on our operations, business and financial condition, our industries and the communities we serve, U.S. and world financial markets and supply chains, potential regulatory actions and changes in customer and stakeholder behavior relating thereto;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• federal, state and local legislative, executive and regulatory actions or developments affecting various aspects of our businesses, including, among others, any actions resulting from Hurricane Beryl, energy deregulation or re-regulation, pipeline integrity and safety, actions relating to our facilities and changes in regulation, legislation and governmental action pertaining to the utility model, trade (including tariffs, bans, retaliatory trade measures taken against the United States or related governmental action), the implementation of budget and spending cuts to federal government agencies and programs, effects of government shutdowns, policies incentivizing or disincentivizing the development or utilization of alternative sources of generation (including distributed generation), health care, finance and actions regarding the rates charged by our regulated businesses;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• disruptions to the global supply chain, inflation, labor shortages and scarcity of certain materials, including as a result of changes in U.S. and foreign trade policy, geopolitical and economic uncertainty, regulatory and policy instability, severe weather and other catastrophic events, changes in laws, executive orders, legislation and other governmental action, increased competition for skilled labor and increases in demand for electricity, that could prevent CenterPoint Energy from securing the resources and labor needed to, among other things, fully execute on its strategy and 10-year capital plan, and otherwise impact the affordability of our rates for our customers;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• operations and maintenance costs, our ability to control such costs and cost-related impacts on the affordability of our rates for our customers;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our ability to timely obtain and maintain necessary licenses, permits, easements and approvals from local, federal and other regulatory authorities on acceptable terms and resolve third-party challenges to such licenses, permits or approvals as applicable;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• direct or indirect effects on our facilities, resources, operations, reputation and financial condition resulting from terrorism, vandalism, cyberattacks or intrusions, data security breaches or other security incidents, threats or attempts to disrupt our businesses or the businesses of supply chain stakeholders (including by foreign actors), or other catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, leaks, floods, droughts, hurricanes, tornadoes, derecho events, ice storms and other severe weather events, wildfires, pandemic health events, geopolitical conflict, civil unrest or other occurrences;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the impact of negative opinions of us or our utility services that our customers, investors, legislators, regulators, creditors, rating agencies or other stakeholders may have or develop, which could result from a variety of factors, including actual or perceived failures in system reliability and safety, the speed of our response to service interruptions, rates and customer affordability, our ability to successfully execute our capital plan, media coverage and actions by third parties;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• damages to our network, facilities and systems, including as a result of wildfires, as well as to third-party property resulting in outages or shortages in our service territories, and losses in excess of insurance liability coverage;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• tax legislation and guidance and any changes in tax laws under the current or future administrations, including any further changes to or clarification of the IRA or the OBBBA, and any potential changes to tax rates, CAMT imposed, tax credits and/or interest deductibility, as well as uncertainties involving state commissions' and local municipalities' regulatory requirements and determinations regarding the treatment of EDIT and our rates;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our ability to mitigate weather impacts through normalization or rate mechanisms, and the effectiveness of such mechanisms;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• actions by credit rating agencies, including any potential downgrades to credit ratings;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• local, state and federal legislative, executive and regulatory actions or developments relating to the environment, including, among others, those related to global climate risk, air emissions, GHG emissions, carbon emissions, wastewater discharges and the handling and disposal of CCR that could impact operations, cost recovery of generation plant costs and related assets, and CenterPoint Energy's energy transition goals;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the impact of unplanned facility outages or other closures;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the sufficiency of our insurance coverage, including availability, cost, coverage and terms and ability to recover claims;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• impacts from CenterPoint Energy's pension and postretirement benefit plans, such as the investment performance and increases to net periodic costs as a result of plan settlements and changes in assumptions, including discount rates;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• changes in interest rates and their impact on costs of borrowing and the valuation of CenterPoint Energy's pension benefit obligation;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• commercial bank and financial market conditions, including disruptions in the banking industry, our access to capital, the cost of such capital, the results of our financing and refinancing efforts, including availability of funds in the capital markets, and impacts on our vendors, customers and suppliers;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• inability of various counterparties to meet their obligations to us;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the extent and effectiveness of our risk management activities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• timely and appropriate regulatory actions, which include actions allowing requested securitization for any hurricanes or other severe weather events, such as Hurricane Beryl, or natural disasters or other amounts sought for recovery of costs, including stranded coal-fired generation asset costs;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our ability to attract, effectively transition, motivate and retain an appropriately qualified workforce, identify and develop top talent to succeed management and maintain good labor relations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• changes in technology, including with respect to efficient battery storage or the emergence or growth of new, developing or alternative sources of generation, and their adoption by consumers, and our ability to anticipate, adapt to and implement technological changes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• advances in AI and our success in timely adopting, developing and deploying AI;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the timing and outcome of any audits, disputes and other proceedings related to taxes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the recording of impairment charges;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• political and economic developments and actions, including energy and environmental policies under the current administration;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• CenterPoint Energy's ability to execute on its strategy, initiatives, targets and goals, including energy transition goals and operations and maintenance expenditure goals;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the outcome of litigation, including litigation related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event and Hurricane Beryl;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the effect of changes in and application of accounting standards and pronouncements; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• other factors discussed in "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of this report and in other reports that the Registrants file from time to time with the SEC.

------

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS**

CenterPoint Energy's results of operations are affected by seasonal fluctuations in the demand for electricity and natural gas. CenterPoint Energy's results of operations are also affected by, among other things, the actions of various governmental authorities having jurisdiction over rates its subsidiaries charge, debt service costs, income tax expense, its subsidiaries ability to collect receivables from REPs and customers and its ability to recover its regulatory assets. For information regarding factors that may affect the future results of our consolidated operations, see "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of this report.

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders was as follows for the periods presented:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Favorable (Unfavorable)** | **Favorable (Unfavorable)** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2025 to 2024**  | **2024 to 2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Electric | $705 | $671 | $654 | $34 | $17 |
| Natural Gas (1) | 570 | 566 | 533 | 4 | 33 |
| Corporate & Other (2) | (223) | (218) | (320) | (5) | 102 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total CenterPoint Energy | $1052 | $1019 | $867 | $33 | $152 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Includes results of operations from Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses through the date of the sale on March 31, 2025.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)Includes energy performance contracting and sustainable infrastructure services through Energy Systems Group through the date of sale on June 30, 2023, unallocated corporate costs, interest income and interest expense, intercompany eliminations and the reduction of income allocated to preferred shareholders through September 1, 2023, the date of the redemption of all of the outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock.

***2025 Compared to 2024***

Net income available to common shareholders increased $33 million primarily due to the following items:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• an increase in income available to common shareholders of $34 million for the Electric reportable segment, as further discussed below;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• an increase in income available to common shareholders of $4 million for the Natural Gas reportable segment, as further discussed below; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a decrease in income available to common shareholders of $5 million for the Corporate and Other reportable segment, primarily due to increased borrowing costs of approximately $37 million, offset by a $21 million gain on early extinguishment of debt using proceeds from the divestiture of the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs, and a $20 million gain on early extinguishment of debt associated with the October 2025 tender offer, which is further discussed in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements. The remaining variance is primarily driven by an increase in other corporate expenses, including expenses associated with proposed divestitures.

***2024 Compared to 2023***

Net income available to common shareholders increased $152 million primarily due to the following items:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• an increase in income available to common shareholders of $17 million for the Electric reportable segment, as further discussed below;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• an increase in income available to common shareholders of $33 million for the Natural Gas reportable segment, as further discussed below; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• an increase in income available to common shareholders of $102 million for the Corporate and Other reportable segment, primarily due to $50 million of income allocated to holders of Series A Preferred Stock in 2023 prior to the redemption of all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock in September 2023 as discussed in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements, a loss on sale of $13 million and current tax expense of $32 million related to the divestiture of Energy Systems Group recorded in 2023 further discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, $19 million due to remeasurement of deferred income tax balances recorded during 2023, as well as $8 million due to lower state income taxes. The remaining variance is due largely to an increase in borrowing costs.

*Income Tax Expense.* For a discussion of effective tax rate per period, see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.

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**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.

**<u>Electric (CenterPoint Energy)</u>**

The following table provides summary data of CenterPoint Energy's Electric reportable segment for the periods presented:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Favorable (Unfavorable)** | **Favorable (Unfavorable)** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2025 to 2024** | **2024 to 2023** |
| | **(in millions, except throughput, weather and customer data)** | **(in millions, except throughput, weather and customer data)** | **(in millions, except throughput, weather and customer data)** | **(in millions, except throughput, weather and customer data)** | **(in millions, except throughput, weather and customer data)** |
| Revenues | $4866 | $4590 | $4290 | $276 | $300 |
| Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power | 270 | 198 | 176 | (72) | (22) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operation and maintenance | 2084 | 2072 | 1880 | (12) | (192) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 946 | 877 | 872 | (69) | (5) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxes other than income taxes | 321 | 304 | 272 | (17) | (32) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total expenses | 3621 | 3451 | 3200 | (170) | (251) |
| Operating Income | 1245 | 1139 | 1090 | 106 | 49 |
| Other Income (Expense): |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense and other finance charges | (445) | (372) | (303) | (73) | (69) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other income, net | 77 | 61 | 56 | 16 | 5 |
| Income Before Income Taxes | 877 | 828 | 843 | 49 | (15) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income tax expense | 172 | 157 | 189 | (15) | 32 |
| Net Income | $705 | $671 | $654 | $34 | $17 |
| Throughput (in GWh): |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Residential | 35547 | 34190 | 35166 | 4% | (3)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | 116076 | 110831 | 108766 | 5% | 2% |
| Weather (percentage of normal weather for service area): |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cooling degree days | 112% | 115% | 114% | (3)% | 1% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Heating degree days | 98% | 76% | 90% | 22% | (14)% |
| Number of metered customers at end of period: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Residential | 2679575 | 2640150 | 2588510 | 1% | 2% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | 3013715 | 2971730 | 2916028 | 1% | 2% |

---

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The following table provides variance explanations by major income statement caption for the Electric reportable segment:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Favorable (Unfavorable)** | **Favorable (Unfavorable)** |
| | **2025 to 2024** | **2024 to 2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
|<br><br>**Revenues** | | |
| Customer rates and impact of the change in rate design | $109 | $143 |
| Transmission Revenues, including TCOS and TCRF, inclusive of costs billed by transmission providers, partially offset in operation and maintenance below | 88 | 217 |
| Customer growth | 26 | 26 |
| Energy efficiency, partially offset in operation and maintenance below | 29 | 5 |
| Equity return, related to the annual true-up of transition charges for amounts over or under collected in prior periods | (18) | (20) |
| Pass-through revenues, offset in operation and maintenance below | 3 | (5) |
| Miscellaneous revenues, including service connections and off-system sales | (11) | 1 |
| Lost revenues as a result of outages associated with Hurricane Beryl in 2024 | 10 | (10) |
| Bond Companies and SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary, offset in other line items below | (62) | (70) |
| Weather, efficiency improvements and other usage impacts | 40 | (9) |
| Cost of fuel and purchased power, offset in utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power below | 62 | 22 |
| Total | $276 | $300 |
| **Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power** |  |  |
| Cost of purchased power, offset in revenues above | $(53) | $(87) |
| Cost of fuel, including coal, natural gas, and fuel oil, offset in revenues above | (19) | 65 |
| Total | $(72) | $(22) |
| **Operation and maintenance** |  |  |
| Transmission costs billed by transmission providers, offset in revenues above | $(40) | $(124) |
| Incremental storm expenses, including storm hardening expenses incurred in connection with accelerated operational activities after Hurricane Beryl in 2024 | 112 | (112) |
| Contract services | (34) | 16 |
| Energy efficiency, and other pass-through, offset in revenues above | (3) | (1) |
| Corporate support services | (28) |  |
| Bond Companies and SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary, offset in other line items | 3 |  |
| Labor and benefits | (9) | 4 |
| All other operation and maintenance expense, including materials and supplies and insurance | (13) | 25 |
| Total | $(12) | $(192) |
| **Depreciation and amortization** |  |  |
| Ongoing additions to plant-in-service | $(74) | $(79) |
| Lease expense associated with TEEEF units no longer eligible for regulatory deferral | (59) |  |
| Bond Companies and SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary, offset in other line items | 64 | 74 |
| Total | $(69) | $(5) |
| **Taxes other than income taxes** |  |  |
| Incremental capital projects placed in service, and the impact of updated property tax rates | $(17) | $(26) |
| Franchise fees and other taxes |  | (6) |
| Total | $(17) | $(32) |
| **Interest expense and other finance charges** |  |  |
| Changes in outstanding debt | $(90) | $(63) |
| Bond Companies and SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary, offset in other line items above | (2) | (4) |
| Other, primarily AFUDC and impacts of regulatory deferrals | 19 | (2) |
| Total | $(73) | $(69) |
| **Other income (expense), net** |  |  |
| Other income, including AFUDC - equity | $19 | $5 |
| Bond Companies and SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary, offset in other line items above | (3) |  |
| Total | $16 | $5 |

---

*Income Tax Expense.* For a discussion of effective tax rate per period by Registrant, see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.

------

**<u>Natural Gas (CenterPoint Energy)</u>**

The following table provides summary data of CenterPoint Energy's Natural Gas reportable segment for the periods presented:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Favorable (Unfavorable)** | **Favorable (Unfavorable)** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2025 to 2024** | **2024 to 2023** |
| | **(in millions, except throughput, weather and customer data)** | **(in millions, except throughput, weather and customer data)** | **(in millions, except throughput, weather and customer data)** | **(in millions, except throughput, weather and customer data)** | **(in millions, except throughput, weather and customer data)** |
| Revenues | $4486 | $4050 | $4279 | $436 | $(229) |
| Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Utility natural gas and fuel | 1846 | 1520 | 1888 | (326) | 368 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas | 4 | 3 | 3 | (1) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operation and maintenance | 931 | 881 | 949 | (50) | 68 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 563 | 542 | 513 | (21) | (29) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxes other than income taxes | 245 | 237 | 245 | (8) | 8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total expenses | 3589 | 3183 | 3598 | (406) | 415 |
| Operating Income | 897 | 867 | 681 | 30 | 186 |
| Other Income (Expense): |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on sale | (49) |  |  | (49) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense and other finance charges | (208) | (207) | (188) | (1) | (19) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other income (expense), net | 27 | 14 | 15 | 13 | (1) |
| Income Before Income Taxes | 667 | 674 | 508 | (7) | 166 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Income tax expense (benefit) | 97 | 108 | (25) | 11 | (133) |
| Net Income | $570 | $566 | $533 | $4 | $33 |
| Throughput (in Bcf): |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Residential | 220 | 189 | 199 | 16% | (5)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Commercial and industrial | 423 | 426 | 418 | (1)% | 2% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Throughput | 643 | 615 | 617 | 5% | —% |
| Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area): |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Heating degree days | 96% | 78% | 86% | 18% | (8)% |
| Number of metered customers at end of period: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Residential | 3739919 | 4063928 | 4010113 | (8)% | 1% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Commercial and industrial | 289166 | 304606 | 303841 | (5)% | —% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total (1) | 4029085 | 4368534 | 4313954 | (8)% | 1% |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Decrease in number of metered customers from 2024 to 2025 is primarily attributable to customer accounts associated with the divestiture of the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs in March 2025. See Note 4 for additional detail.

------

The following table provides variance explanations by major income statement caption for the Natural Gas reportable segment:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Favorable (Unfavorable)** | **Favorable (Unfavorable)** |
| | **2025 to 2024** | **2024 to 2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
|<br><br>**Revenues** | | |
| Cost of natural gas, offset in utility natural gas and fuel below | $384 | $(368) |
| Gross receipts tax, offset in taxes other than income taxes below | 14 | 1 |
| Weather and usage | 12 | (11) |
| Non-volumetric and miscellaneous revenue | 10 | (5) |
| Energy efficiency and other pass-through, offset in operation and maintenance below | 40 | (20) |
| Non-utility revenues | 2 | 15 |
| Customer growth | 14 | 14 |
| Customer rates and impact of the change in rate design | 142 | 145 |
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | (182) | $— |
| Total | $436 | $(229) |
| **Utility natural gas and fuel** |  |  |
| Cost of natural gas, offset in revenues above | $(384) | $368 |
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | 58 |  |
| Total | $(326) | $368 |
| **Non-utility costs of revenues, including natural gas** |  |  |
| Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas | $(1) | $— |
| Total | $(1) | $— |
| **Operation and maintenance** |  |  |
| All other operations and maintenance expenses, including bad debt expense | $(15) | $23 |
| Energy efficiency and other pass-through, offset in revenues above | (40) | 20 |
| Contract services | (10) | (6) |
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | 53 |  |
| Labor and benefits | (25) | 8 |
| Corporate support services | (13) | 23 |
| Total | $(50) | $68 |
| **Depreciation and amortization** |  |  |
| Ongoing additions to plant-in-service  | $(60) | $(29) |
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | 39 |  |
| Total | $(21) | $(29) |
| **Taxes other than income taxes** |  |  |
| Gross receipts tax, offset in revenues above | $(14) | $(1) |
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | 15 |  |
| Incremental capital projects placed in service, and the impact of updated property tax rates | (9) | 9 |
| Total | $(8) | $8 |
| **Loss on Sale** |  |  |
| Loss on sale of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses | $(49) | $— |
| Total | $(49) | $— |
| **Interest expense and other finance charges** |  |  |
| Changes in outstanding debt | $(6) | $(12) |
| Other, primarily AFUDC and impacts of regulatory deferrals | (5) | (7) |
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | 10 |  |
| Total | $(1) | $(19) |
| **Other income (expense), net** |  |  |
| Changes to non-service benefit cost | $4 | $3 |
| Other income, including interest income from affiliated companies and AFUDC - Equity | 10 | (4) |
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | (1) |  |
| Total | $13 | $(1) |

---

*Income Tax Expense (Benefit).* For a discussion of effective tax rate per period by Registrant, see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.

------

**HOUSTON ELECTRIC CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS**

Houston Electric's CODM views net income as the measure of profit or loss for its reportable segment. Houston Electric consists of a 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 information regarding factors that may affect the future results of Houston Electric's consolidated operations, see "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of Part I of this report.

The following table provides summary data of Houston Electric's single reportable segment for the periods presented:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Favorable (Unfavorable)** | **Favorable (Unfavorable)** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2025 to 2024** | **2024 to 2023** |
| | **(in millions, except throughput, weather and customer data)** | **(in millions, except throughput, weather and customer data)** | **(in millions, except throughput, weather and customer data)** | **(in millions, except throughput, weather and customer data)** | **(in millions, except throughput, weather and customer data)** |
| Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TDU | $4067 | $3862 | $3514 | $205 | $348 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bond Companies | 17 | 77 | 163 | (60) | (86) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total revenues | 4084 | 3939 | 3677 | 145 | 262 |
| Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operation and maintenance, excluding Bond Companies | 1913 | 1923 | 1669 | 10 | (254) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization, excluding Bond Companies | 795 | 688 | 593 | (107) | (95) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxes other than income taxes | 312 | 295 | 262 | (17) | (33) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bond Companies | 12 | 78 | 159 | 66 | 81 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total expenses | 3032 | 2984 | 2683 | (48) | (301) |
| Operating Income | 1052 | 955 | 994 | 97 | (39) |
| Other Income (Expense): |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense and other finance charges | (369) | (311) | (259) | (58) | (52) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense on Securitization Bonds | (6) | (3) | (8) | (3) | 5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other income, net | 48 | 43 | 34 | 5 | 9 |
| Income Before Income Taxes | 725 | 684 | 761 | 41 | (77) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income tax expense | 147 | 138 | 168 | (9) | 30 |
| Net Income | $578 | $546 | $593 | $32 | $(47) |
| Throughput (in GWh): |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Residential | 34101 | 32769 | 33830 | 4% | (3)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | 111083 | 106014 | 103862 | 5% | 2% |
| Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area): |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cooling degree days | 114% | 115% | 114% | (1)% | 1% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Heating degree days | 94% | 92% | 92% | 2% | —% |
| Number of metered customers at end of period: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Residential | 2544880 | 2506284 | 2455309 | 2% | 2% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | 2859313 | 2818343 | 2763535 | 1% | 2% |

---

------

The following table provides variance explanations by major income statement caption for Houston Electric:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Favorable (Unfavorable)** | **Favorable (Unfavorable)** |
| | **2025 to 2024**  | **2024 to 2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
|<br><br>**Revenues** | | |
| Customer rates and impact of the change in rate design | $34 | $153 |
| Transmission Revenues, including TCOS and TCRF, inclusive of costs billed by transmission providers, partially offset in operation and maintenance below | 88 | 217 |
| Customer growth | 22 | 25 |
| Energy efficiency, partially offset in operation and maintenance below | 29 | 5 |
| Miscellaneous revenues | 13 | 1 |
| Lost revenues as a result of outages associated with Hurricane Beryl in 2024 | 10 | (10) |
| Equity return, related to the annual true-up of transition charges for amounts over or under collected in prior periods | (18) | (19) |
| Weather, efficiency improvements and other usage impacts | 27 | (24) |
| Bond Companies, offset in other line items below | (60) | (86) |
| Total | $145 | $262 |
| **Operation and maintenance, excluding Bond Companies** |  |  |
| Transmission costs billed by transmission providers, offset in revenues above | $(40) | $(124) |
| Incremental storm expenses, including storm hardening expenses incurred in connection with accelerated operational activities after Hurricane Beryl in 2024 | 112 | (112) |
| Contract services | (29) | 7 |
| Energy efficiency, offset in revenues above | (3) | (6) |
| Corporate support services | (23) | (2) |
| Labor and benefits | (8) | 1 |
| All other operation and maintenance expense, including materials and supplies and insurance | 1 | (18) |
| Total | $10 | $(254) |
| **Depreciation and amortization, excluding Bond Companies** |  |  |
| Ongoing additions to plant-in-service | $(47) | $(95) |
| Lease expense associated with TEEEF units no longer eligible for regulatory deferral | (60) |  |
| Total | $(107) | $(95) |
| **Taxes other than income taxes** |  |  |
| Incremental capital projects placed in service, and the impact of changes to tax rates | $(17) | $(26) |
| Franchise fees and other taxes |  | (7) |
| Total | $(17) | $(33) |
| **Bond Companies** |  |  |
| Operations and maintenance and depreciation expense, offset in revenues above | $66 | $81 |
| Total | $66 | $81 |
| **Interest expense and other finance charges** |  |  |
| Changes in outstanding debt | $(75) | $(55) |
| Other, primarily AFUDC and impacts of regulatory deferrals | 17 | 3 |
| Total | $(58) | $(52) |
| **Interest expense on Securitization Bonds** |  |  |
| Change in outstanding principal balance, offset in revenues above | $(3) | $5 |
| Total | $(3) | $5 |
| **Other income, net** |  |  |
| Other income, including AFUDC - equity | $7 | $9 |
| Bond Companies interest income, offset in other line items | (2) |  |
| Total | $5 | $9 |

---

*Income Tax Expense.* For a discussion of effective tax rate per period, see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.

------

**CERC CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS**

CERC's CODM views net income as the measure of profit or loss for its reportable segment. CERC consists of a 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 information regarding factors that may affect the future results of CERC's consolidated operations, see "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of Part I of this report.

The following table provides summary data of CERC's single reportable segment for the periods presented:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Favorable (Unfavorable)** | **Favorable (Unfavorable)** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2025 to 2024** | **2024 to 2023** |
| | **(in millions, except throughput, weather and customer data)** | **(in millions, except throughput, weather and customer data)** | **(in millions, except throughput, weather and customer data)** | **(in millions, except throughput, weather and customer data)** | **(in millions, except throughput, weather and customer data)** |
| Revenues | $4344 | $3925 | $4149 | $419 | $(224) |
| Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Utility natural gas | 1803 | 1489 | 1856 | (314) | 367 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas | 4 | 3 | 3 | (1) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operation and maintenance | 895 | 848 | 904 | (47) | 56 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 541 | 522 | 493 | (19) | (29) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxes other than income taxes | 242 | 234 | 243 | (8) | 9 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total expenses | 3485 | 3096 | 3499 | (389) | 403 |
| Operating Income | 859 | 829 | 650 | 30 | 179 |
| Other Income (Expense): |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on sale | 46 |  |  | 46 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense and other finance charges | (194) | (197) | (178) | 3 | (19) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other income (expense), net | 25 | 12 | 14 | 13 | (2) |
| Income Before Income Taxes | 736 | 644 | 486 | 92 | 158 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income tax expense (benefit) | 97 | 104 | (26) | 7 | (130) |
| Net Income | $639 | $540 | $512 | $99 | $28 |
| Throughput (in BCF): |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Residential | 214 | 184 | 194 | 16% | (5)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Commercial and Industrial | 379 | 390 | 386 | (3)% | 1% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Throughput | 593 | 574 | 580 | 3% | (1)% |
| Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area): |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Heating degree days | 96% | 78% | 86% | 18% | (8)% |
| Number of metered customers at end of period: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Residential | 3634422 | 3958584 | 3905388 | (8)% | 1% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Commercial and Industrial | 278500 | 293959 | 293235 | (5)% | —% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total (1) | 3912922 | 4252543 | 4198623 | (8)% | 1% |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 in March 2025. See Note 4 for additional detail.

------

The following table provides variance explanations by major income statement caption for CERC:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Favorable (Unfavorable)** | **Favorable (Unfavorable)** |
| | **2025 to 2024**  | **2024 to 2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
|<br><br>**Revenues** | | |
| Cost of natural gas, offset in utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power below | $372 | $(367) |
| Gross receipts tax, offset in taxes other than income taxes below | 14 | 1 |
| Weather and usage | 12 | (9) |
| Energy efficiency and other pass-through, offset in operation and maintenance below | 39 | (10) |
| Non-volumetric and miscellaneous revenue | 11 | (6) |
| Non-utility revenues | 2 | 15 |
| Customer growth | 14 | 13 |
| Customer rates | 137 | 139 |
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | (182) |  |
| Total | $419 | $(224) |
| **Utility natural gas** |  |  |
| Cost of natural gas, offset in revenues above | $(372) | $367 |
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | 58 |  |
| Total | $(314) | $367 |
| **Operation and maintenance** |  |  |
| All other operations and maintenance expenses, including bad debt expense | $(12) | $21 |
| Energy efficiency and other pass-through, offset in revenues above | (39) | 10 |
| Contract services | (12) | (6) |
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | 53 |  |
| Labor and benefits | (25) | 8 |
| Corporate support services | (12) | 23 |
| Total | $(47) | $56 |
| **Depreciation and amortization** |  |  |
| Ongoing additions to plant-in-service | $(58) | $(29) |
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | 39 |  |
| Total | $(19) | $(29) |
| **Taxes other than income taxes** |  |  |
| Gross receipts tax, offset in revenues above | $(14) | $(1) |
| Incremental capital projects placed in service, and the impact of updated property tax rates | (9) | 10 |
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | 15 |  |
| Total | $(8) | $9 |
| **Gain on sale** |  |  |
| Gain on sale of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses | $46 | $— |
| Total | $46 | $— |
| **Interest expense and other finance charges** |  |  |
| Changes in outstanding debt | $(3) | $(11) |
| Other, primarily AFUDC and impacts of regulatory deferrals | (4) | (8) |
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | $10 | $— |
| Total | $3 | $(19) |
| **Other income (expense), net** |  |  |
| Changes to non-service benefit cost | $4 | $3 |
| Other income, including interest income from affiliated companies and AFUDC - Equity | 10 | (5) |
| Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025 | $(1) | $— |
| Total | $13 | $(2) |

---

*Income Tax Expense (Benefit).* For a discussion of effective tax rate per period, see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.

------

**LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES**

**Cash Flows**

The following table summarizes the Registrants' cash flows by category for the periods presented:

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| **Cash provided by (used in):** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating activities | $2486 | $1177 | $1262 | $2139 | $960 | $1068 | $3877 | $1401 | $2312 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Investing activities | (4016) | (2349) | (361) | (4489) | (2767) | (1419) | (4233) | (2503) | (1643) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Financing activities | 1549 | 1187 | (903) | 2271 | 1732 | 352 | 374 | 1103 | (668) |

---

*Operating Activities.* The following items contributed to increased (decreased) net cash provided by operating activities:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025 compared to 2024** | **2025 compared to 2024** | **2025 compared to 2024** | **2024 compared to 2023** | **2024 compared to 2023** | **2024 compared to 2023** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Changes in net income after adjusting for non-cash items | $76 | $97 | $25 | $315 | $(132) | $153 |
| Changes in working capital (1) | (231) | (275) | 48 | (1372) | 191 | (1266) |
| Other non-current assets | 511 | 370 | 274 | (580) | (500) | (135) |
| Other non-current liabilities | 189 | 52 | (142) | (57) | (15) | 49 |
| Higher pension contribution | (100) |  |  | 2 |  |  |
| Other | (98) | (27) | (11) | (46) | 15 | (45) |
|  | $347 | $217 | $194 | $(1738) | $(441) | $(1244) |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)This change is primarily related to the receipt of proceeds at CenterPoint Energy and CERC from the issuance of customer rate relief bonds Texas by the Natural Gas Securitization Finance Corporation in 2023. For further details, see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

*Investing Activities.* The following items contributed to (increased) decreased net cash used in investing activities:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025 compared to 2024** | **2025 compared to 2024** | **2025 compared to 2024** | **2024 compared to 2023** | **2024 compared to 2023** | **2024 compared to 2023** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Payment for asset acquisition | $(357) | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
| Net change in capital expenditures | (357) | (189) | (88) | $(112) | $(363) | $180 |
| Net change in notes receivable from affiliated companies |  | 498 | (1) |  | 108 | 2 |
| Proceeds from divestitures | 1219 |  | 1219 | (144) |  |  |
| Other | (32) | 109 | (72) |  | (9) | 42 |
|  | $473 | $418 | $1058 | $(256) | $(264) | $224 |

---

------

*Financing Activities.* The following items contributed to (increased) decreased net cash provided by (used in) financing activities:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025 compared to 2024** | **2025 compared to 2024** | **2025 compared to 2024** | **2024 compared to 2023** | **2024 compared to 2023** | **2024 compared to 2023** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Net changes in commercial paper outstanding | $537 | $— | $(155) | $516 | $— | $436 |
| Net changes in proceeds from issuance of Common Stock | (494) |  |  | 494 |  |  |
| Net changes in long-term debt and term loans outstanding, excluding commercial paper | (770) | 63 | (819) | 51 | (6) | 725 |
| Net changes in debt and equity issuance costs | (11) | (10) | 3 | 20 | 5 | 11 |
| Net changes in short-term borrowings | 1 |  | 1 | 6 |  | 6 |
| Redemption of Series A Preferred Stock |  |  |  | 800 |  |  |
| Increased payment of Common Stock dividends | (52) |  |  | (37) |  |  |
| Decreased payment of preferred stock dividends |  |  |  | 50 |  |  |
| Net change in notes payable from affiliated companies |  | 54 | 291 |  | 642 |  |
| Change in dividend to parent |  | 41 | (288) |  | 28 | 54 |
| Change in contribution from parent |  | (750) | (290) |  | (41) | (210) |
| Other | 67 | 57 | 2 | (3) | 1 | (2) |
|  | $(722) | $(545) | $(1255) | $1897 | $629 | $1020 |

---

**Future Sources and Uses of Cash**

*Material Current and Long-term Cash Requirements*. 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 are expected to primarily relate to investments in infrastructure. These capital expenditures are anticipated to enhance the safety, reliability and resiliency of our systems and deliver consistent value for stakeholders across the Registrants' jurisdictions. In addition to dividend payments on CenterPoint Energy's Common Stock and interest payments on debt, the Registrants' principal anticipated cash requirements for 2026 include the following:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Estimated capital expenditures | $6695 | $4031 | $2198 |
| Scheduled principal payments on Securitization Bonds | 40 | 27 |  |
| Scheduled principal payments on debt instruments, excluding Securitization Bonds | 2377 | 800 | 60 |
| Expected contributions to pension plans and other postretirement plans | 86 |  | 5 |

---

The Registrants expect that anticipated cash needs for 2026 will be met with available cash flows from operations, proceeds from the sale of our Ohio natural gas LDC business, as well as cash flows from financing (such as issuances of debt securities and equity securities upon physical settlement of outstanding forward sale agreements and borrowings under credit facilities, commercial paper issuances or other sources). The issuances 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, 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.

------

The following table sets forth the Registrants' estimates of the Registrants' capital expenditures currently planned for projects for the periods presented. See Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements for CenterPoint Energy's actual capital expenditures by reportable segment for 2025.

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2026** | **2027** | **2028** | **2029** | **2030** |
| **CenterPoint Energy** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Electric | $4388 | $4736 | $4936 | $3777 | $4358 |
| Natural Gas | 2288 | 2163 | 2122 | 1924 | 2024 |
| Corporate and Other | 19 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | $6695 | $6919 | $7078 | $5721 | $6402 |
| **Houston Electric** (1) | $4031 | $4326 | $4474 | $3440 | $4076 |
| **CERC** (1) | $2198 | $2047 | $1994 | $1826 | $1899 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Houston Electric and CERC each consist of a single reportable segment.

The following table summarizes the Registrants' material current and long-term cash requirements as of December 31, 2025:

---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2026** | **2027** | **2028** | **2029** | **2030** | **Thereafter** | **Total** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| **CenterPoint Energy** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Short-term borrowings | $500 | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $500 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Securitization Bonds (1) | 40 | 37 | 39 | 41 | 43 | 514 | 714 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other long-term debt (1) (2) | 1877 | 326 | 3941 | 870 | 1469 | 13470 | 21953 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest payments — Securitization Bonds (3) | 38 | 32 | 30 | 28 | 26 | 134 | 288 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest payments — other long-term debt (3) | 1024 | 956 | 914 | 749 | 3170 | 8223 | 15036 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Commodity and other commitments (4) | 978 | 946 | 781 | 630 | 681 | 2919 | 6935 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total cash requirements | $4457 | $2297 | $5705 | $2318 | $5389 | $25260 | $45426 |
| **Houston Electric** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Short-term borrowings | $500 | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $500 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Securitization Bonds (1) | 27 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 277 | 402 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other long-term debt (1) | 300 | 300 | 500 |  | 500 | 7679 | 9279 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest payments — Securitization Bonds (3) | 22 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 62 | 144 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest payments — other long-term debt (3) | 401 | 383 | 379 | 353 | 2659 | 3466 | 7641 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total cash requirements | $1250 | $723 | $919 | $392 | $3198 | $11484 | $17966 |
| **CERC** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Long-term debt (1) | $60 | $26 | $1779 | $30 | $500 | $2345 | $4740 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest payments — long-term debt (3) | 227 | 224 | 191 | 136 | 133 | 799 | 1710 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Commodity and other commitments (4) | 684 | 587 | 542 | 522 | 480 | 1322 | 4137 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total cash requirements | $971 | $837 | $2512 | $688 | $1113 | $4466 | $10587 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Balances reflect aggregate principal amounts outstanding and do not include unamortized discounts, premiums or issuance costs. See Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)ZENS obligations are included in the 2029 column at their contingent principal amount of less than $0.1 million as of December 31, 2025. These obligations are exchangeable for cash at any time at the option of the holders for 95% of the current value of the reference shares attributable to each ZENS ($507 million as of December 31, 2025), as discussed in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)The Registrants calculated estimated interest payments for long-term debt as follows: for fixed-rate debt and term debt, the Registrants calculated interest based on the applicable rates and payment dates; for variable-rate debt and/or non-term debt, the Registrants used interest rates in place as of December 31, 2025. The Registrants typically expect to settle such interest payments with cash flows from operations and short-term borrowings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4)For a discussion of commodity and other commitments, see Note 14(a) to the consolidated financial statements.

The table above does not include the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• estimated future payments for expected future AROs primarily estimated to be incurred after 2030. See Note 3(c) to the consolidated financial statements for further information.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• expected contributions to pension plans and other postretirement plans in 2026 and expected benefit payments to be paid by the pension and postretirement benefit plans. See Note 8(g) to the consolidated financial statements for further information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• operating leases. See Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements for further information.

**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 12 and guarantees as discussed in Note 14(b) to the consolidated financial statements and short-term leases, the Registrants have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

------

**Regulatory Matters**

***TEEEF (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric)***

For information about TEEEF, see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

***Hurricane Beryl (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric)***

For information about Hurricane Beryl, see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

***May 2024 Storm Events (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric)***

For information about May 2024 Storm Events, see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

***February 2021 Winter Storm Event (CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and CERC)***

For information about the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

***Indiana Electric Securitization of Generation Retirements (CenterPoint Energy)***

For further information about the issuance of SIGECO Securitization Bonds, see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

***Indiana Electric CPCN (CenterPoint Energy)***

***BTAs***

Indiana Electric 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. 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 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

On January 10, 2023, Indiana Electric filed a CPCN with the IURC to acquire a wind energy generating facility located in the central region of MISO through a BTA, and on June 6, 2023, the IURC issued an order approving the CPCN, thereby authorizing Indiana Electric to purchase the wind generating facility. In August 2025, due to changing project considerations and concerns about customer affordability, Indiana Electric exited negotiations relating to this wind energy generating facility. On December 4, 2025, Indiana Electric filed a Notice of Termination in this proceeding.

***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 would provide 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 renegotiated the terms of the agreement to increase the PPA price and Indiana Electric subsequently filed a request with the IURC to amend the previously approved PPA with certain modifications. 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

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interconnection study were completed, Origis advised Indiana Electric that the costs to construct the solar project in Knox County, Indiana had increased largely due to 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 has been 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. 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 late 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. Indiana Electric received a final order from the IURC on November 5, 2025. The facility became operational on December 9, 2025. The power purchase costs will be recovered through the fuel adjustment clause proceedings over the term of the PPA.

***Indiana Electric 2025 IRP (CenterPoint Energy)***

On December 5, 2025, Indiana Electric submitted its 2025 IRP with the IURC pursuant to applicable Indiana law requiring electric utilities to develop and submit to the IURC every three years (unless extended) an IRP that uses economic modeling to consider the costs and risks associated with available generation resource options to provide reliable, cost effective electric service for the next 20-year period. Indiana Electric's 2025 IRP was developed following a series of public meetings and stakeholder discussions occurring in 2025 and identified both a preferred portfolio, which assumes the status quo for Indiana Electric's service territory, and an alternative preferred portfolio, which includes a potential large load addition. Due to the phasing out of IRA renewable energy tax incentives pursuant to the OBBBA, declining accreditation from MISO for renewable energy and increased price pressure on resources due to, among other things, tariffs and ongoing supply chain issues, the 2025 IRP extends the timing for Indiana Electric's generation transition plan. Accordingly, both the preferred portfolio and the alternative portfolio call for using the interconnection at F.B. Culley unit 2 for a 90 MW battery storage unit by 2028 and the conversion of the A.B. Brown units 5 and 6 gas turbines to a combined cycle gas turbine unit in the near- to mid-term, depending on load conditions. Decisions around F.B. Culley 3 will be reevaluated in the next IRP in 2028. The 2025 IRP includes the cancellation of nearly $1 billion in non-economical renewable projects. For more information regarding the risks associated with Indiana Electric's execution of its generation transition plan and its IRP, see "Risk Factors - Risk Factors Affecting Operations - Indiana Electric's execution of its generation transition plan..."

***F.B. Culley Unit 2 (CenterPoint Energy)***

While Indiana Electric's 2025 IRP (similar to previous IRPs) preferred portfolios included the retirement of F.B. Culley Unit 2, a coal-fired generation unit, by the end of 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency 202(c) order in December 2025 directing Indiana Electric to continue operating the unit through March 23, 2026. Indiana Electric has filed a complaint with the FERC to request creation of a cost recovery/cost allocation mechanism. If created, a separate filing will be made at a later date with the FERC to seek recovery of all costs incurred to comply with the U.S. Department of Energy's emergency 202(c) order. Indiana Electric has also filed an application with the IURC in Cause No. 46350 to recover any compliance costs associated with the emergency 202(c) order that are not recovered through the FERC proceedings.

***Natural Gas Combustion Turbines (CenterPoint Energy)***

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 $287 million turbine facility was constructed at the previous site of the A.B. Brown power plant in Posey County, Indiana. 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 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

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placed in service, and, due to a transformer manufacturing issue, the remaining 230 MW of the facility was placed in service in the third quarter of 2025. 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 and second turbine are currently being recovered in base rates that were updated on June 17, 2025 and October 1, 2025, respectively.

***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. On August 11, 2025, a notice of approval of Houston Electric's application was issued. 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.

***Space City Solar Transmission Interconnection Project (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric)***

On December 17, 2020, Houston Electric filed a CCN with the PUCT for approval to build a 345 kV transmission line in Wharton County, Texas connecting the Hillje substation on Houston Electric's transmission system to the planned 610 MW Space City Solar Generation facility being developed by third-party developer, EDF Renewables. In November 2021, the PUCT approved a route that was estimated to cost $25 million and issued a final order on January 12, 2022. There have been project delays due to supply chain constraints in the developer acquiring solar panels. Houston Electric substantially completed construction in the fall of 2023, and the transmission line is expected to be energized shortly after the generation facility is complete, which is anticipated to occur in the first quarter of 2027.

***Kilgore Transmission Project (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric)***

On August 30, 2023, Houston Electric filed a CCN application with the PUCT for approval to build a 138 kV double circuit transmission line in Chambers County, Texas that will loop the existing 138 kV Chevron to Langston circuit number 86 on Houston Electric's transmission system to Houston Electric's planned Kilgore substation. On March 7, 2024, the PUCT issued a final order approving a route that was estimated to cost $60 million, including substation costs. The actual capital costs of the project, including the transmission line and the planned Kilgore substation, will depend on actual land acquisition costs, construction costs, and other factors. Completion of construction and energization of the line and substation is anticipated to occur in the fourth quarter of 2026.

***Mill Creek Transmission Project (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric)***

On November 17, 2023, Houston Electric filed a CCN application with the PUCT for approval to build a 138 kV double circuit transmission line in Harris and Montgomery Counties, Texas that will connect Houston Electric's transmission system to Houston Electric's planned Mill Creek substation. On November 21, 2024, the PUCT issued a final order approving a route estimated to cost $68 million. The actual capital costs of the project will depend on actual land acquisition costs, construction costs, and other factors. Completion of construction and energization of the line and substation is anticipated to occur in the second quarter of 2027.

***Indiana Legislation (CenterPoint Energy)***

Indiana Electric is evaluating legislation filed in Indiana's 124th General Assembly, including House Bill 1002, a multi-faceted bill aimed at improving the affordability of electric rates. House Bill 1002 would do the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• beginning in 2026, require an electric utility to file a multi-year rate plan according to a prescribed schedule;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• apply a customer affordability performance metric and a service restoration performance metric to each year of the multi-year rate plan and use such metric to provide financial rewards or penalties based on the electricity supplier's measured performance of the metric;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• require an electric utility to offer a low income customer assistance program by July 1, 2026 to be funded by at least 0.2% of jurisdictional revenues for residential customers and allow the utility to seek recovery of eligible program costs;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• prohibit an electric utility from terminating service to any customer on a day forecasted by the National Weather Service to have a heat index of at least 95 degrees Fahrenheit;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• modify the IURC's authority related to use of emergency powers;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• apply a levelized billing plan to residential customers who are eligible and have applied for the Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• require an electric utility to report certain residential customer data to the Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor on a quarterly basis.

There are other bills moving through the 124th General Assembly, including legislation regarding surplus interconnection service, nuclear facility permits, and a bill on land use and developments that includes siting of battery energy storage systems.

***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:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• House Bill 4384, effective June 20, 2025, allows LDCs to recover post in-service carrying costs (PISCC) in GRIP filings. This allows LDCs to defer for future recovery as a regulatory asset PISCC, depreciation expense and ad valorem taxes associated with unrecovered gross plant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Senate Bill 231, effective June 20, 2025, provides that, on or after the effective date, TDUs may only enter into, renew or extend leases for TEEEF units with a maximum generation capacity 5 or fewer MW and that are rapidly deployable, and that they may enter into leases without prior PUCT preapproval (as required by the TEEEF Rule) in the case of an emergency or if the lease includes a provision allowing for the alteration of the lease based on applicable PUCT orders or rules.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Senate Bill 1963, effective September 1, 2025, allows 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Senate Bill 482, effective September 1, 2025, results 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.

***Transmission and Distribution System Resiliency Plans (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 as filed had 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 Houston Electric intends to implement such investments, 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 is intended to 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. At its November 14, 2025 open meeting, the PUCT approved the SRP. The final order issued on November 19, 2025 includes twenty-seven resiliency measures totaling approximately $2.68 billion in capital investments and an estimated $185 million in operations and maintenance expense. The approved SRP also includes the deferral of $217 million of the approximate $2.87 billion in SRP costs until the second half of 2029.

***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, the Registrants are periodically involved in proceedings to adjust their capital tracking mechanisms (e.g., CSIA, DCRF, DRR, GRIP, TCOS, ECA, CECA and TDSIC), their decoupling mechanisms (e.g., decoupling and SRC), and their 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 was for approximately

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6.5% or $85 million for 2024 and an additional approximately 3.7% or $52 million for 2025. The need for a rate change was 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 reflected 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 and 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 were implemented on September 1, 2025.

*Indiana Electric Rate Case.* On December 5, 2023, Indiana Electric filed a petition with the IURC for authority to modify its rates and charges for electric utility service through a phase-in of rates. The requested increase was approximately 16% or $119 million based on a forward looking 2025 test year. The need for a rate increase was primarily driven by the continuing investment in the safety and reliability of the system and normal increases in operating expenses. The initial filing of the rate case reflected a proposed 10.4% ROE on a forecasted 55% equity ratio. Indiana Electric reached a settlement agreement with less than all parties and submitted the agreement to the IURC on May 20, 2024. The settlement reflected a proposed 9.8% ROE on a forecasted 55% equity ratio. The requested increase was lowered to $80 million, an 11% increase. Indiana Electric received a final order on February 3, 2025 approving the settlement with one modification that effectively capped the residential increase to 1.15% of the total increase, allocating the difference to other commercial and industrial customers. The final order approved the 9.8% ROE on a forecasted 55% equity ratio and increases revenues by $80 million.

*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 reflected 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 ROE 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 regulatory 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, filed its testimony in opposition to the stipulation and recommendation on July 29, 2025. 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 regulatory 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. The stipulating parties were crossed by the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel on July 28 and August 4, 2025, and the Office of the Ohio

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Consumers' Counsel was crossed by the stipulating parties on July 29 and August 5, 2025. On July 29, 2025, a PUCO local public hearing was conducted. The parties filed initial briefs on August 26, 2025, and reply briefs on September 9, 2025. On November 21, 2025, CEOH filed a late filed exhibit to the stipulation and recommendation to include actual rate case expenses, which resulted in a revised revenue requirement increase of $59.7 million. The PUCO order was issued on January 7, 2026, modifying and adopting the stipulation and resolving all issues related to the case. The PUCO order modifications include: (1) extending the 15-year amortization periods for the CEP and DRR deferral balances to 25 years, which had a $7.9 million negative impact on the revenue requirement, and (2) a ROE of 9.79%, resulting in a rate of return of 7.07%, which had a $0.6 million negative impact on the revenue requirement. These two modifications result in a revised revenue requirement increase of $51.3 million and a total revenue requirement of $363 million. Revised rates became effective on a services rendered basis effective January 12, 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 Form 10-K:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Mechanism** | **Annual Increase (Decrease) (1)<br>(in millions)** | **Filing<br> Date** | **Effective Date** | **Approval Date** | **Additional Information** |
| **CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric (PUCT)** | **CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric (PUCT)** | **CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric (PUCT)** | **CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric (PUCT)** | **CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric (PUCT)** | **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) the release of Houston Electric's 15 large 32 MW TEEEF units to ERCOT at CPS Energy facilities to serve the greater San Antonio region until March 2027 unless terminated earlier pursuant to the provisions of the ERCOT Transaction; (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. In November 2025, Houston Electric also proposed to release the five medium 5.7 MW TEEEF units from its TEEEF fleet and remove the associated lease costs effective January 1, 2026. On February 13, 2026, Houston Electric filed a letter requesting continued abatement until February 27, 2026 due to continued settlement discussions. |
| TEEEF | N/A | May 2025 | TBD | TBD | Seeks authorization to lease small, 200 kW to 1,250 kW TEEEF units for 36 months in accordance with the TEEEF Rule. Among other things, the TEEEF Rule generally requires that a utility obtain preapproval prior to renewing or entering into a new lease of TEEEF units, with exceptions for emergency situations or if the lease includes a provision allowing for the alteration of the lease based on applicable PUCT orders or rules. 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. On January 6, 2026, Houston Electric provided the PUCT with a proposed order. |
| EECRF | $40 | May 2025 | March 2026 | December 2025 | 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. On September 8, 2025, the Sierra Club filed direct testimony. On September 19, 2025, the PUCT staff filed its recommendation requesting that SOAH approve the application as filed. On October 3, 2024, the PUCT staff petitioned (Docket No. 57172) to establish a secondary cap on utilities' 2024 Program Year (PY) earned performance bonuses equal to 25% of utilities' total expenditures for PY 2024, and on August 13, 2025, the PUCT issued a final order denying the PUCT staff's petition. On October 7, 2025, Houston Electric filed an unanimous stipulation and settlement agreement for the full amount requested. On October 10, 2025, SOAH remanded this proceeding to the PUCT. A final order approving the settlement agreement was issued on December 12, 2025. |
| TCOS | $15 | August 2025 | October 2025 | October 2025 | Based on the net change in invested capital since its last TCOS proceeding of approximately $112 million for the period January 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025. |
| DCRF | $55 | August 2025 | December 2025 | October 2025 | Based on the net change in distribution invested capital since its last base rate proceeding of approximately $1.5 billion for the period January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 for an incremental revenue increase of $55 million adjusted for load growth. |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Mechanism** | **Annual Increase (Decrease) (1)<br>(in millions)** | **Filing<br> Date** | **Effective Date** | **Approval Date** | **Additional Information** |
| TCOS | $36 | February 2026 | TBD | TBD | Based on the net change in invested capital since its last TCOS proceeding of approximately $212 million for the period of July 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025, along with the inclusion of regulatory assets of approximately $10 million comprising certain system restoration operations and maintenance expenses and carrying costs associated with the May 2024 Storm Events and Hurricane Beryl. |
| **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Beaumont/East Texas, South Texas, Houston and Texas Coast (Railroad Commission)** | **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Beaumont/East Texas, South Texas, Houston and Texas Coast (Railroad Commission)** | **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Beaumont/East Texas, South Texas, Houston and Texas Coast (Railroad Commission)** | **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Beaumont/East Texas, South Texas, Houston and Texas Coast (Railroad Commission)** | **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Beaumont/East Texas, South Texas, Houston and Texas Coast (Railroad Commission)** | **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. On May 13, 2025, the Railroad Commission considered the PFD at an open meeting and issued a Final Order approving the settlement agreement. |
| Tax Act Rider | $22 | August 2025 | January 2026 | October 2025 | The second Tax Act Rider was initially filed on August 1, 2025, and a revised filing was made on September 24, 2025, to recover the effects of the IRA and certain other tax-related costs for rates that would be effective for bills calculated on or after January 1, 2026. These effects include the return on the CAMT 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 Docket No. OS-23-00015513. No comments from the parties were filed prior to the October 1, 2025 deadline for comments. The Railroad Commission accepted the Tax Act Rider filing on October 16, 2025. |
| GRIP | $70 | February 2025 | June 2025 | May 2025 | Based on net change in invested capital of $445 million. |
| GRIP | $62 | February 2026 | TBD | TBD | Based on net change in invested capital of $394 million. |
| **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Minnesota (MPUC)** | **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Minnesota (MPUC)** | **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Minnesota (MPUC)** | **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Minnesota (MPUC)** | **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Minnesota (MPUC)** | **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Minnesota (MPUC)** |
| Rate Case | $104 | November 2023 | September 2025 | July 2025 | See discussion above under *Minnesota Gas Rate Case.* |
| CIP Financial Incentive | $8 | May 2025 | December 2025 | November 2025 | CIP Financial Incentive based on 2024 CIP program activity. |
| **CenterPoint Energy - Indiana South - Gas (IURC)** | **CenterPoint Energy - Indiana South - Gas (IURC)** | **CenterPoint Energy - Indiana South - Gas (IURC)** | **CenterPoint Energy - Indiana South - Gas (IURC)** | **CenterPoint Energy - Indiana South - Gas (IURC)** | **CenterPoint Energy - Indiana South - Gas (IURC)** |
| CSIA | $2 | April 2025 | August 2025 | July 2025 | 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 was issued on July 30, 2025, with rates effective August 1, 2025. |
| CSIA | $1 | October 2025 | February 2026 | January 2026 | Requested an increase of $13.0 million to rate base, which reflects an approximately $1.2 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 $(2.1) million. The OUCC filed testimony on December 2, 2025, recommending minor changes, and Indiana South filed rebuttal on December 16, 2025. An evidentiary hearing was held January 6, 2026. A final order was issued on January 28, 2026 with rates effective on February 1, 2026. |
| **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Indiana North - Gas (IURC)** | **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Indiana North - Gas (IURC)** | **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Indiana North - Gas (IURC)** | **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Indiana North - Gas (IURC)** | **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Indiana North - Gas (IURC)** | **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Indiana North - Gas (IURC)** |
| CSIA | $9 | April 2025 | August 2025 | July 2025 | 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 was issued on July 30, 2025, with rates effective August 1, 2025. |

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Mechanism** | **Annual Increase (Decrease) (1)<br>(in millions)** | **Filing<br> Date** | **Effective Date** | **Approval Date** | **Additional Information** |
| CSIA | $8 | October 2025 | February 2026 | January 2026 | Requested an increase of $90.8 million to rate base, which reflects an approximately $7.6 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 $(6.8) million. The OUCC filed testimony on December 2, 2025, recommending minor changes, and Indiana North filed rebuttal on December 16, 2025. An evidentiary hearing was held January 6, 2026. A final order was issued on January 28, 2026, with rates effective on February 1, 2026. On February 17, 2026, the OUCC filed a motion for rehearing and reconsideration requesting the commission to reconsider its decision approving the recovery of soil remediation costs from ratepayers and reconsider the threshold for a best estimate for a TDSIC plan and the specific justification the commission will require to increase an approved best estimate. |
| **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Ohio - Gas (PUCO)** | **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Ohio - Gas (PUCO)** | **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Ohio - Gas (PUCO)** | **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Ohio - Gas (PUCO)** | **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Ohio - Gas (PUCO)** | **CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Ohio - Gas (PUCO)** |
| DRR | $6 | May <br>2025 | September 2025 | August 2025 | 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 on July 11, 2025. Supplemental Testimony from CEOH and the Ohio Consumers' Counsel was filed on July 22, 2025. A hearing was scheduled for July 29, 2025, with all parties waiving motions to strike, objections, and cross examination. A final PUCO opinion and order was issued on August 20, 2025, finding that the updated DRR rates are just and reasonable and stating that the correct forum for the Ohio Consumers' Counsel's arguments was the 2018 Rate Case, the 2022 Extension, or the 2024 Rate Case. Revised rates became effective on September 1, 2025. |
| Rate Case | $51 | October 2024 | January 2026 | January 2026 | See discussion above under *Ohio Gas Rate Case.* |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Represents proposed increases (decreases) when effective date and/or approval date is not yet determined. Approved rates could differ materially from proposed rates.

***GHG Emissions and Climate-Related Regulation and Compliance (CenterPoint Energy)***

The issue of climate change has received focus at the state, federal and international level, and there are trends and uncertainties relating to GHG emissions and climate-related regulations and compliance that affect the Registrants. Compliance costs and other effects associated with climate change, reductions in GHG emissions and obtaining renewable energy sources remain uncertain; nevertheless, any new regulation or legislation relating to climate change will likely result in an increase in compliance costs. CenterPoint Energy will continue to monitor regulatory activity regarding GHG emission standards that may affect its business. Currently, CenterPoint Energy does not purchase carbon credits. In connection with its energy transition goals, CenterPoint Energy is expected to purchase carbon credits in the future; however, CenterPoint Energy does not currently expect the number of credits, or cost for those credits, to be material. For more information on GHG emissions and climate-change regulation and compliance, see "Business—Environmental Matters" in Item 1 of Part I of this report. For more information on GHG emissions and climate-related risk trends and uncertainties, see "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of Part I of this report.

***Climate Risk Trends and Uncertainties***

There are climate risk trends and uncertainties that affect the Registrants. 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. 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 also 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) and the repeal of the Endangerment Finding, will affect consumers' and companies' energy use, adoption of alternative energy sources or decisions to expand their facilities, including natural gas facilities. For more information on climate risk trends and uncertainties, see "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of Part I of this report.

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**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 12 to the consolidated 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 December 31, 2025. As of February 13, 2026, the Registrants had the following revolving credit facilities and utilization of such facilities:

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | | **Amount Utilized as of February 13, 2026** | **Amount Utilized as of February 13, 2026** | **Amount Utilized as of February 13, 2026** | | |
|<br>**Registrant** |<br>**Size of Facility** | **Loans** | **Letters of Credit** | **Commercial Paper** |<br>**Weighted Average Interest Rate** |<br>**Termination Date** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | | |
| CenterPoint Energy | $2400 | $— | $— | $665 | 3.75% | December 6, 2028 |
| CenterPoint Energy (1) | 250 |  |  |  | —% | December 6, 2028 |
| Houston Electric | 300 |  |  |  | —% | December 6, 2028 |
| CERC | 1050 |  |  | 340 | 3.75% | December 6, 2028 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $4000 | $— | $— | $1005 |  |  |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)This credit facility was issued by SIGECO.

Borrowings under each of the revolving credit facilities are subject to customary terms and conditions. However, there is no requirement that the borrower makes representations prior to borrowing as to the absence of material adverse changes or litigation that could be expected to have a material adverse effect. Borrowings under each of the revolving credit facilities are subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of events of default that we consider customary. The revolving credit facilities also provide for customary fees, including commitment fees, administrative agent fees, fees in respect of letters of credit and other fees. In each of the revolving credit facilities, the spread to SOFR and the commitment fees fluctuate based on the borrower's credit rating. Each of the Registrant's credit facilities provide for a mechanism to replace SOFR with possible alternative benchmarks upon certain benchmark replacement events. 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 in 2025, see Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements. For detailed information about the delay draw term loan agreement executed by CERC Corp. in 2026, see Note 20 to the consolidated 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 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

For information related to shares of Common Stock sold pursuant to the forward sale agreements and the Equity Distribution Agreement in 2025, see Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements.

***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

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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 net funding requirements of the CERC money pool are expected to be met with borrowings under CERC's revolving credit facility or the sale of CERC's commercial paper. The money pool may not provide sufficient funds to meet the Registrants' cash needs.

The table below summarizes CenterPoint Energy money pool activity by Registrant as of February 13, 2026:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Weighted Average Interest Rate** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Money pool borrowings | 3.80% | $463 | $— |

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***Impact on Liquidity of a Downgrade in Credit Ratings***

The interest rate on borrowings under the Registrants' credit facilities is based on their respective credit ratings. As of February 13, 2026, Moody's, S&P and Fitch had assigned the following credit ratings to the borrowers:

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | | **Moody's** | **Moody's** | **S&P** | **S&P** | **Fitch** | **Fitch** |
|<br>**Registrant** |<br>**Borrower/Instrument** | **Rating** | **Outlook (1)** | **Rating** | **Outlook (2)** | **Rating** | **Outlook (3)** |
| CenterPoint Energy | CenterPoint Energy Senior Unsecured Debt | Baa2 | Negative | BBB | Stable | BBB | Stable |
| CenterPoint Energy | Vectren Corp. Issuer Rating | n/a | n/a | BBB+ | Stable | n/a | n/a |
| CenterPoint Energy | SIGECO Senior Secured Debt | A1 | Stable | A | Stable | n/a | n/a |
| Houston Electric | Houston Electric Senior Secured Debt | A2 | Negative | A | Stable | A | Stable |
| CERC | CERC Corp. Senior Unsecured Debt | A3 | Stable | BBB+ | Stable | A- | Stable |
| CERC | Indiana Gas Senior Unsecured Debt | n/a | n/a | BBB+ | Stable | n/a | n/a |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)A Moody's rating outlook is an opinion regarding the likely direction of an issuer's rating over the medium term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)An S&P outlook assesses the potential direction of a long-term credit rating over the intermediate to longer term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 December 31, 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 $311 million as of December 31, 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

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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 be reversed 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 December 31, 2025, deferred taxes of approximately $897 million would have been payable in 2025, subject to reduction on account of any available net operating loss carryforwards or CAMT carryforwards. If all the ZENS-Related Securities had been sold on December 31, 2025, capital gains taxes of approximately $72 million would have been payable in 2025 based on 2025 tax rates in effect and subject to reduction on account of any available net operating loss carryforwards or CAMT carryforwards. As of December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy had both net operating loss and CAMT carryforwards available from its filed 2024 federal income tax return that can be applied to largely offset the cash outflow that would result from a retirement or exchange of the ZENS. For additional information about ZENS, see Note 10 to the consolidated 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. As announced in September 2025 and February 2026, CenterPoint Energy has increased its planned capital expenditures in its Electric and Natural Gas businesses pursuant to its new 10-year capital plan, which calls for investment of at least $65.5 billion through 2035, and CenterPoint Energy may continue to increase such planned capital investments in the future. The Registrants may continue to explore asset sales, in addition to the completed sale of CERC Corp.'s Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses, as a means to efficiently finance a portion of their increased capital expenditures in the future, subject to the considerations listed above. For further information, see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

On October 20, 2025, CenterPoint Energy, through CERC Corp., entered into the Ohio Securities Purchase Agreement to sell all of the issued and outstanding equity interests in CEOH for total consideration of approximately $2.62 billion, subject to adjustment as set forth in the Ohio Securities Purchase Agreement. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. For further information, see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

***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's 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

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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:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• 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;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• 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);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• increased costs related to the acquisition of natural gas (CenterPoint Energy and CERC);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• increased costs of certain goods, materials or services due to, among other things, supply chain disruptions, inflation, labor shortages, scarcity of materials and changes in U.S. or foreign trade policy (including tariffs or other trade actions);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• 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;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• various legislative, executive or regulatory actions at the federal, state and local levels, including actions in response to Hurricane Beryl and actions pertaining to U.S. or foreign trade policy (including tariffs or other trade actions) or other geopolitical matters;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• incremental collateral, if any, that may be required due to regulation of derivatives (CenterPoint Energy);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the timing and outcome of rate actions regarding our recovery of costs and ability to make a reasonable return on investment;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the ability of REPs, including REP affiliates of NRG and Vistra Energy Corp., to satisfy their obligations to CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• 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;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the satisfaction of any obligations pursuant to guarantees;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the outcome of litigation, including litigation related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event and Hurricane Beryl;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• contributions to pension and postretirement benefit plans;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• recovery of any losses under applicable insurance policies;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• 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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• various other risks identified in "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of this report.

***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 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

**CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES**

The preparation of the Registrants' financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to apply appropriate accounting policies and to make estimates and judgments that can have a significant effect on the Registrants' 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,

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as additional information is obtained and as the Registrants' operating environment changes. Our management believes the following accounting policies involve the application of critical accounting estimates. Accordingly, these accounting estimates have been reviewed and discussed with the Audit Committee of the Board. For a complete discussion of the Registrants' significant accounting policies, see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

**Accounting for Rate Regulation**

Accounting guidance for regulated operations provides that rate-regulated entities account for and report assets and liabilities consistent with the recovery of those incurred costs in rates if the rates established are designed to recover the costs of providing the regulated service and if the competitive environment makes it probable that such rates can be charged and collected. CenterPoint Energy, for its Electric and Natural Gas reportable segments, Houston Electric and CERC apply this accounting guidance. Certain expenses and revenues subject to utility regulation or rate determination normally reflected in income are deferred on the balance sheet as regulatory assets or liabilities and are recognized in income as the related amounts are included in service rates and recovered from or refunded to customers. Regulatory assets and liabilities are recorded when it is probable that these items will be recovered or reflected in future rates. Determining probability requires significant judgment on the part of management and includes, but is not limited to, consideration of testimony presented in regulatory hearings, proposed regulatory decisions, final regulatory orders and the strength or status of applications for rehearing or state court appeals. If events were to occur that would make the recovery of these assets and liabilities no longer probable, the Registrants would be required to write off or write down these regulatory assets and liabilities. For further detail on the Registrants' regulatory assets and liabilities, see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

**Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Including Goodwill**

The Registrants review the carrying value of long-lived assets, including goodwill, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying values may not be recoverable, and at least annually, goodwill is tested for impairment as required by accounting guidance for goodwill. Unforeseen events, changes in market conditions, and probable regulatory disallowances, where applicable, could have a material effect on the value of long-lived assets, including goodwill, future cash flows, interest rate, and regulatory matters, and could result in an impairment charge. The Registrants recorded no impairments to long-lived assets, including goodwill during 2025, 2024 and 2023.

Fair value is the amount at which an asset, liability or business could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties and may be estimated using a number of techniques, including quoted market prices or valuations by third parties, present value techniques based on estimates of cash flows, or multiples of earnings or revenue performance measures. The fair value could be different using different estimates and assumptions in these valuation techniques.

Fair value measurements require significant judgment and unobservable inputs, including (i) projected timing and amount of future cash flows, which factor in planned growth initiatives, (ii) the regulatory environment, as applicable, and (iii) discount rates reflecting risk inherent in the future market prices. Determining the discount rates for the businesses that are not rate-regulated, such as for Energy Systems Group prior to the sale in June 2023, requires the estimation of the appropriate company-specific risk premiums for such businesses based on evaluation of industry and entity-specific risks, which includes expectations about future market or economic conditions existing on the date of the impairment test. Changes in these assumptions could have a significant impact on results of the impairment tests.

*Annual Goodwill Impairment Test*

CenterPoint Energy and CERC completed their 2025 annual goodwill impairment test during the third quarter of 2025 and determined, based on a qualitative assessment, that no goodwill impairment charge was required for any reporting unit. No qualitative factors were present that indicated impairment of CenterPoint Energy or CERC reporting units.

Although no goodwill impairment resulted from the 2025 annual test, an interim goodwill impairment test could be triggered by the following: actual earnings results that are materially lower than expected, significant adverse changes in the operating environment, an increase in the discount rate, changes in other key assumptions which require judgment and are forward looking in nature, if CenterPoint Energy's market capitalization falls below book value for an extended period of time, or events affecting a reporting unit such as a contemplated disposal of all or part of a reporting unit.

*Assets Held for Sale*

Generally, a long-lived asset to be sold is classified as held for sale in the period in which management, with approval from the Board, as applicable, commits to a plan to sell, and a sale is expected to be completed within one year. The Registrants

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record assets and liabilities held for sale, or the disposal group, at the lower of their carrying value or their fair value less cost to sell. If the disposal group reflects a component of a reporting unit and meets the definition of a business, the goodwill within that reporting unit is allocated to the disposal group based on the relative fair value of the components representing a business that will be retained and disposed. Goodwill is not allocated to a portion of a reporting unit that does not meet the definition of a business.

As of December 31, 2025, certain assets and liabilities of the Ohio natural gas LDC business met the held for sale criteria and the goodwill attributable to these businesses was $393 million and $219 million for CenterPoint Energy and CERC, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, certain assets and liabilities of the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses met the held for sale criteria and the goodwill attributable to these businesses was $217 million and $122 million for CenterPoint Energy and CERC, respectively. See Note 4 for additional detail.

**Accounting for Securitizations**

Accounting guidance for rate regulated long-lived asset abandonment requires that the carrying value of an operating asset or an asset under construction is removed from property, plant and equipment when it becomes probable that the asset will be abandoned. The Registrants recognize a loss on abandonment when they conclude it is probable the cost will not be recovered in future rates. When the Registrants conclude it is probable that costs will be recovered in future rates, a regulatory asset is recognized. The portion of property, plant and equipment that will remain used and useful until abandonment and recovered through depreciation expense in rates will continue to be classified as property, plant and equipment until the asset is abandoned. The Registrants evaluate if an adjustment to the estimated life of the asset and, accordingly, the rate of depreciation, is required to recover the asset while it is still providing service. Determining probability of abandonment or probability of recovery requires significant judgment on the part of management and includes, but is not limited to, consideration of testimony presented in regulatory hearings, proposed regulatory decisions, final regulatory orders and the strength or status of applications for rehearing or state court appeals.

In connection with the securitization of transition property or system restoration property or to facilitate the securitization financing of qualified costs, CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and SIGECO evaluate the wholly-owned, bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entities, which are VIEs, for possible consolidation, including review of qualitative factors such as the power to direct the activities of the VIE and the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE. CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and SIGECO have the power to direct the significant activities of their respective VIEs and are most closely associated with their respective VIEs as compared to other interests held by the holders of the relevant Securitization Bonds. CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and SIGECO are, therefore, considered the respective primary beneficiary and consolidate these VIEs.

**Unbilled Revenues**

Revenues related to electricity delivery and natural gas sales and services are generally recognized upon delivery to customers. However, the determination of deliveries to individual customers is based on the reading of their meters, which is performed on a systematic basis throughout the month either electronically through AMS meter communications or manual readings. At the end of each month, deliveries to non-AMS customers since the date of the last meter reading are estimated and the corresponding unbilled revenue is estimated. Information regarding deliveries to AMS customers after the last billing is obtained from actual AMS meter usage data. Unbilled electricity delivery revenue is estimated each month based on actual AMS meter data, daily supply volumes and applicable rates. Unbilled natural gas sales are estimated based on estimated purchased gas volumes, estimated lost and unaccounted for gas and tariffed rates in effect. As additional information becomes available, or actual amounts are determinable, the recorded estimates are revised. Consequently, operating results can be affected by revisions to prior accounting estimates.

**Employee Benefit Plans**

CenterPoint Energy sponsors pension and other retirement plans in various forms covering all employees who meet eligibility requirements. CenterPoint Energy uses several statistical and other factors that attempt to anticipate future events in calculating the expense and liability related to its plans. These factors include assumptions about the discount rate, expected return on plan assets and rate of future compensation increases as estimated by management, within certain guidelines. In addition, CenterPoint Energy's actuarial consultants use subjective factors such as withdrawal and mortality rates. The actuarial assumptions used may differ materially from actual results due to changing market and economic conditions, higher or lower withdrawal rates or longer or shorter life spans of participants. These differences may result in a significant impact to the

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amount of pension and other retirement plans expense recorded. Read "— Other Significant Matters — Pension Plans" for further discussion.

**NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS**

See Note 2(p) to the consolidated financial statements, incorporated herein by reference, for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements that affect the Registrants.

**OTHER SIGNIFICANT MATTERS**

*Pension Plans (CenterPoint Energy).* As discussed in Note 8(b) to the consolidated financial statements, CenterPoint Energy maintains non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension plans covering eligible employees. Employer contributions for the qualified plans are based on actuarial computations that establish the minimum contribution required under ERISA and the maximum deductible contribution for income tax purposes.

Under the terms of CenterPoint Energy's pension plans, it reserves the right to change, modify or terminate the plan. CenterPoint Energy's funding policy is to review amounts annually and contribute an amount at least equal to the minimum contribution required under ERISA.

Additionally, CenterPoint Energy maintains unfunded non-qualified benefit restoration plans which allow participants to receive the benefits to which they would have been entitled under the non-contributory qualified pension plan except for federally mandated limits on qualified plan benefits or on the level of compensation on which qualified plan benefits may be calculated.

CenterPoint Energy's funding requirements and employer contributions were as follows for the periods presented:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| **CenterPoint Energy** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Minimum funding requirements for qualified pension plans | $35 | $23 | $— |
| Employer contributions to the qualified pension plans | 110 | 23 | 24 |
| Employer contributions to the non-qualified pension plans | 7 | 7 | 8 |

---

CenterPoint Energy expects to make contributions of approximately $71 million and $6 million to the qualified and non-qualified pension plans in 2026, respectively.

Changes in pension obligations and plan assets may not be immediately recognized as pension expense in CenterPoint Energy's Statements of Consolidated Income, but generally are recognized in future years over the remaining average service period of plan participants. As such, significant portions of pension expense recorded in any period may not reflect the actual level of benefit payments provided to plan participants.

As the sponsor of a plan, CenterPoint Energy is required to (a) recognize on its Consolidated Balance Sheet an asset for the plan's over-funded status or a liability for the plan's under-funded status, (b) measure a plan's assets and obligations as of the end of the fiscal year and (c) recognize changes in the funded status of the plans in the year that changes occur through adjustments to other comprehensive income and, when related to its rate-regulated utilities with recoverability of cost, to regulatory assets.

The projected benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $1.5 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The projected benefit obligation remained generally consistent from December 31, 2024 to December 31, 2025 as impacts resulting from the decrease in discount rates were offset by actual return on plan assets exceeding expected return on plan assets.

As of December 31, 2025, the projected benefit obligation exceeded the market value of plan assets of CenterPoint Energy's pension plans by $272 million. Changes in interest rates or the market values of the securities held by the plan during a year could materially, positively or negatively, change the funded status and affect the level of pension expense and required contributions at the next remeasurement.

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Houston Electric and CERC participate in CenterPoint Energy's qualified and non-qualified pension plans covering substantially all employees. Pension cost by Registrant was as follows for the periods presented:

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| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Pension cost | $49 | $24 | $15 | $51 | $23 | $18 | $53 | $27 | $19 |

---

The calculation of pension cost and related liabilities requires the use of assumptions. Changes in these assumptions can result in different expense and liability amounts, and future actual experience can differ from the assumptions. Two of the most critical assumptions are the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the assumed discount rate.

As of December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy's qualified pension plans had an expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of 7.00%, which is the same as the 7.00% rate assumed as of December 31, 2024. The expected rate of return assumption was developed using the targeted asset allocation of our plans and the expected return for each asset class. CenterPoint Energy regularly reviews its actual asset allocation and periodically rebalances plan assets to reduce volatility and better match plan assets and liabilities.

As of December 31, 2025, the projected benefit obligation was calculated assuming a discount rate of 5.35%, which is 25 basis points lower than the 5.60% discount rate assumed as of December 31, 2024 attributed primarily to rising interest rates. The discount rate was determined by reviewing yields on high-quality bonds that receive one of the two highest ratings given by a recognized rating agency and the expected duration of pension obligations specific to the characteristics of CenterPoint Energy's plans.

CenterPoint Energy's actuarially determined pension and other postemployment cost for 2025 and 2024 that is greater or less than the amounts being recovered through rates in the majority of Texas jurisdictions is deferred as a regulatory asset or liability, respectively. Pension cost for 2026, including the non-qualified benefit restoration plan, is estimated to be $49 million before applicable regulatory deferrals and capitalization, based on an expected return on plan assets of 7.00% and a discount rate of 5.35% as of December 31, 2025. If the expected return assumption were lowered by 50 basis points from 7.00% to 6.50%, the 2026 pension cost would increase by approximately $6 million.

As of December 31, 2025, the pension plans projected benefit obligation, including the unfunded non-qualified pension plans, exceeded plan assets by $272 million. If the discount rate were lowered by 50 basis points from 5.35% to 4.85%, CenterPoint Energy's projected benefit obligation would increase by approximately $62 million and its 2026 pension cost would decrease by approximately $1 million. The expected reduction in pension cost due to the decrease in discount rate is a result of the expected correlation between the reduced interest rate and appreciation of fixed income assets in pension plans with significantly more fixed income instruments than equity instruments. In addition, the assumption change would impact CenterPoint Energy's Consolidated Balance Sheets by increasing the regulatory asset recorded as of December 31, 2025 by $55 million and would result in an incremental charge to comprehensive income in 2025 of $6 million, net of tax of $1 million, due to the increase in the projected benefit obligation.

Future changes in plan asset returns, assumed discount rates and various other factors related to the pension plans will impact CenterPoint Energy's future pension expense and liabilities. CenterPoint Energy cannot predict with certainty what these factors will be in the future.

**Item 7A.*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk***

**Impact of Changes in Interest Rates, Equity Prices and Energy Commodity Prices**

The Registrants are exposed to various market risks. These risks arise from transactions entered into in the normal course of business and are inherent in the Registrants' consolidated financial statements. Most of the revenues and income from the Registrants' business activities are affected by market risks. Categories of market risk include exposure to interest rates, equity prices and commodity prices through non-trading activities. A description of each market risk is set forth below:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Interest rate risk primarily results from exposures to changes in the level of borrowings and changes in interest rates;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Equity price risk results from exposures to changes in prices of individual equity securities (CenterPoint Energy); and

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Commodity price risk results from exposures to price volatilities of commodities, such as natural gas, NGLs and other energy commodities (CenterPoint Energy).

Management has established comprehensive risk management policies to monitor and manage these market risks.

**Interest Rate Risk** 

As of December 31, 2025, the Registrants had outstanding long-term debt and lease obligations and CenterPoint Energy had obligations under its ZENS that subject them to the risk of loss associated with movements in market interest rates. The Registrants seek to manage interest rate exposure by monitoring the effects of changes in market interest rates and using a combination of fixed and variable rate debt. Additionally, interest rate swaps are used to mitigate interest rate exposure when deemed appropriate.

CenterPoint Energy's floating rate obligations aggregated $1.5 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, which consisted primarily of commercial paper outstanding and short-term borrowings at Houston Electric. If the floating interest rates were to increase by 100 basis points from the floating interest rates at December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy's combined interest expense would increase by approximately $15 million annually. CenterPoint Energy has $500 million of floating rate notes that mature in 2026.

Houston Electric's floating rate obligations were $500 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, which mature in the first quarter of 2026. If the floating interest rates were to increase by 100 basis points from the floating interest rates at December 31, 2025, Houston Electric's combined interest expense would increase by approximately $5 million annually.

CERC's floating rate obligations aggregated $559 million and $599 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, which consisted of commercial paper outstanding. If the floating interest rates were to increase by 100 basis points from December 31, 2025 rates, CERC's combined interest expense would increase by approximately $6 million annually. CERC has no floating rate notes maturing in 2026.

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, CenterPoint Energy had outstanding fixed-rate debt (excluding indexed debt securities) aggregating $21.7 billion and $19.7 billion, respectively, in principal amount and having a fair value of $21.1 billion and $18.4 billion, respectively. Because these instruments are fixed-rate, they do not expose CenterPoint Energy to the risk of loss in earnings due to changes in market interest rates. However, the fair value of these instruments would increase by approximately $800 million if interest rates were to decline by 10% from their levels as of December 31, 2025. CenterPoint Energy has $517 million of fixed-rate senior notes, $1 billion of fixed-rate convertible senior notes, $300 million of fixed-rate Houston Electric general mortgage bonds and $60 million of fixed-rate CERC senior notes maturing in 2026.

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, Houston Electric had outstanding fixed-rate debt aggregating $9.7 billion and $8.4 billion, respectively, in principal amount and having a fair value of approximately $8.9 billion and $7.3 billion, respectively. Because these instruments are fixed-rate, they do not expose Houston Electric to the risk of loss in earnings due to changes in market interest rates. However, the fair value of these instruments would increase by approximately $400 million if interest rates were to decline by 10% from their levels as of December 31, 2025. Houston Electric has $300 million of fixed-rate general mortgage bonds maturing in 2026.

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, CERC had outstanding fixed-rate debt aggregating $4.2 billion and $4.6 billion, respectively, in principal amount and having a fair value of $4.2 billion and $4.5 billion, respectively. Because these instruments are fixed-rate, they do not expose CERC to the risk of loss in earnings due to changes in market interest rates. However, the fair value of these instruments would increase by approximately $120 million if interest rates were to decline by 10% from their levels at December 31, 2025. CERC has $60 million fixed-rate senior notes maturing in 2026.

In general, such an increase in fair value previously described would impact earnings and cash flows only if the Registrants were to reacquire all or a portion of these instruments in the open market prior to their maturity. The ZENS obligation is bifurcated into a debt component and a derivative component. The debt component of less than $1 million at December 31, 2025 was a fixed-rate obligation and, therefore, did not expose CenterPoint Energy to the risk of loss in earnings due to changes in market interest rates. However, the fair value of the debt component would increase by less than $1 million if interest rates were to decline by 10% from levels at December 31, 2025. Changes in the fair value of the derivative component, a $564 million recorded liability at December 31, 2025, are recorded in CenterPoint Energy's Statements of Consolidated Income and, therefore, it is exposed to changes in the fair value of the derivative component as a result of changes in the underlying risk-free interest rate. If the risk-free interest rate were to increase by 10% from December 31, 2025 levels, the fair value of the

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derivative component liability would decrease by less than $1 million, which would be recorded as a gain on indexed debt securities in CenterPoint Energy's Statements of Consolidated Income.

**Equity Market Value Risk (CenterPoint Energy)**

CenterPoint Energy is exposed to equity market value risk through its ownership of 10.2 million shares of AT&T Common, 0.9 million shares of Charter Common and 2.5 million shares of WBD Common, which CenterPoint Energy holds to facilitate its ability to meet its obligations under the ZENS. See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of CenterPoint Energy's ZENS obligation. Changes in the fair value of the ZENS-Related Securities held by CenterPoint Energy are expected to substantially offset changes in the fair value of the derivative component of the ZENS. A decrease of 10% from the December 31, 2025 aggregate market value of these shares would result in a net loss of less than $1 million, which would be recorded on a gross basis as both a gain on indexed debt securities and as a loss on equity securities in CenterPoint Energy's Statements of Consolidated Income.

**Commodity Price Risk From Non-Trading Activities (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)**

CenterPoint Energy's regulated operations are exposed to commodity price risk during severe weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes and severe winter weather conditions. Severe weather events can increase commodity prices related to natural gas, coal and purchased power, which may increase our costs of providing service, and those costs may not be recoverable in rates. Recovery of cost increases driven by rising commodity prices during severe weather events could be resisted by our regulators and our regulators might attempt to deny or defer timely recovery of those costs.

However, CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's regulated operations in Indiana have limited exposure to commodity price risk for transactions involving purchases and sales of natural gas, coal and purchased power for the benefit of retail customers due to current state regulations, which, subject to compliance with those regulations, allow for recovery of the cost of such purchases through natural gas and fuel cost adjustment mechanisms. CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's utility natural gas operations in Indiana have regulatory authority to lock in pricing for up to 50% of annual natural gas purchases using arrangements with an original term of up to 10 years. This authority has been utilized to secure fixed price natural gas using both physical purchases and financial derivatives.

Although CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's regulated operations are exposed to limited commodity price risk, natural gas and coal prices have other effects on working capital requirements, interest costs, and some level of price-sensitivity in volumes sold or delivered. Constructive regulatory orders, such as those authorizing lost margin recovery, other innovative rate designs and recovery of unaccounted for natural gas and other natural gas-related expenses, also mitigate the effect natural gas costs may have on CenterPoint Energy's financial condition. In 2008, the PUCO approved an exit of the merchant function in CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's Ohio natural gas service territory, allowing Ohio customers to purchase substantially all natural gas directly from retail marketers rather than from CenterPoint Energy or CERC.

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**Item 8.*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Financial Statements and Supplementary Data***

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Index to Financial Statements** | |
| **CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries** | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | <u>[93](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_121)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Income | <u>[95](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_124)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income | <u>[96](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_130)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Consolidated Balance Sheets | <u>[97](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_133)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows | <u>[99](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_136)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Changes in Equity | <u>[100](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_139)</u> |
| **CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and Subsidiaries** |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | <u>[101](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_142)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Income | <u>[103](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_148)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income | <u>[104](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_151)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Consolidated Balance Sheets | <u>[105](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_154)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows | <u>[107](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_157)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Changes in Equity | <u>[108](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_160)</u> |
| **CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. and Subsidiaries**  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | <u>[109](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_163)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Income | <u>[111](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_169)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income | <u>[112](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_172)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Consolidated Balance Sheets | <u>[113](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_175)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows | <u>[115](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_178)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Changes in Equity | <u>[116](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_181)</u> |

---

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements** | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Background and Basis of Presentation | <u>[117](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_187)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | <u>[118](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_190)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Property, Plant and Equipment | <u>[122](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_193)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) Held for Sale, Divestitures and Acquisition (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) | <u>[124](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_196)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) Revenue | <u>[126](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_199)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) Goodwill | <u>[129](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_202)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) Regulatory Matters | <u>[131](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_208)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans | <u>[137](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_214)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) Fair Value Measurements  | <u>[147](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_232)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(10) Equity Securities and Indexed Debt Securities (ZENS) (CenterPoint Energy) | <u>[149](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_235)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(11) Equity | <u>[151](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_241)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(12) Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt | <u>[154](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_247)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(13) Income Taxes | <u>[160](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_253)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(14) Commitments and Contingencies | <u>[164](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_259)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(15) Earnings Per Share (CenterPoint Energy) | <u>[171](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_262)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(16) Reportable Segments | <u>[172](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_265)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(17) Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow and Balance Sheet Information | <u>[176](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_268)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(18) Related Party Transactions (Houston Electric and CERC) | <u>[177](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_271)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(19) Leases | <u>[178](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_274)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(20) Subsequent Events | <u>[181](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_277)</u> |

---

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**REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

**Opinion on the Financial Statements**

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, based on criteria established in *Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013)* issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 19, 2026, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

**Basis for Opinion**

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

**Critical Audit Matter**

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

***Impact of Rate Regulation on the Financial Statements — Refer to Note 7 to the financial statements***

*Critical Audit Matter Description*

The Company is subject to rate regulation by regulators and commissions in various jurisdictions (collectively, the "Commissions") that have jurisdiction with respect to the rates of electric and gas transmission and distribution companies in those jurisdictions. Management has determined its regulated operations meet the requirements under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America to prepare its financial statements applying the specialized rules to account for the effects of cost-based rate regulation. The impacts of accounting for the economics of rate regulation are pervasive to the financial statements and disclosures.

The Company's rates are subject to regulatory rate-setting processes by the Commissions. Rates are determined and approved in regulatory proceedings based on an analysis of the Company's costs to provide utility service and a return on, and recovery of, the Company's investment in the utility business. Regulatory decisions can have an impact on the recovery of costs, the rate of return earned on investment, and the timing and amount of assets to be recovered in rates. The Commissions' regulation of rates is premised on the full recovery of prudently incurred costs and a reasonable rate of return on invested capital. Decisions

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to be made by the Commissions in the future will impact the accounting for regulated operations, including decisions about the amount of allowable costs and return on invested capital included in rates and any refunds that may be required. While the Company has indicated it expects to recover costs from customers through regulated rates, there is a risk that the Commissions will not approve: (1) full recovery of the costs of providing utility service, or (2) full recovery of all amounts invested in the utility business and a reasonable return on that investment.

We identified rate regulation as a critical audit matter due to the significant judgments made by management to support its assertions about certain affected account balances and disclosures and the high degree of subjectivity involved in assessing the impact of regulatory actions on the financial statements. Management's judgments include assessing the likelihood of (1) recovery in future rates of incurred costs, (2) a disallowance of capital investments made by the Company and (3) refunds to customers. Given that certain of management's accounting judgments are based on assumptions about the outcome of decisions by the Commissions, auditing these judgments required specialized knowledge of accounting for rate regulation and the rate setting process.

*How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit*

Our audit procedures related to the potential uncertainty of decisions by the Commissions included the following, among others:

• We evaluated the Company's disclosures related to the effects of rate regulation by testing certain recorded balances and evaluating regulatory developments.

• We read relevant regulatory orders issued by the Commissions, regulatory statutes, filings made by the Company and intervenors, and other external information. We evaluated relevant external information and compared it to certain recorded regulatory asset and liability balances for completeness.

• For certain regulatory matters, we inspected the Company's filings with the Commissions to assess the likelihood of recovery in future rates or of a future reduction in rates based on precedents of the Commissions' treatment of similar costs under similar circumstances.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas

February 19, 2026

We have served as the Company's auditor since 1932.

------

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions, except per share amounts)** | **(in millions, except per share amounts)** | **(in millions, except per share amounts)** |
| **Revenues:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Utility revenues | $9301 | $8589 | $8524 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-utility revenues | 56 | 54 | 172 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | 9357 | 8643 | 8696 |
| **Expenses:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power | 2113 | 1715 | 2061 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas | 4 | 3 | 99 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operation and maintenance | 3024 | 2949 | 2850 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 1530 | 1439 | 1401 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxes other than income taxes | 576 | 547 | 525 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | 7247 | 6653 | 6936 |
| **Operating Income** | 2110 | 1990 | 1760 |
| **Other Income (Expense):** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on sale | (49) |  | (13) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain (loss) on equity securities | (51) | 20 | 31 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain (loss) on indexed debt securities | 55 | (14) | (27) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense and other finance charges | (882) | (818) | (684) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense on Securitization Bonds | (21) | (20) | (17) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other income, net | 85 | 56 | 37 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | (863) | (776) | (673) |
| **Income Before Income Taxes** | 1247 | 1214 | 1087 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income tax expense | 195 | 195 | 170 |
| **Net Income** | 1052 | 1019 | 917 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income allocated to preferred shareholders |  |  | 50 |
| **Income Available to Common Shareholders** | $1052 | $1019 | $867 |
| **Basic Earnings Per Common Share** | $1.61 | $1.58 | $1.37 |
| **Diluted Earnings Per Common Share** | $1.60 | $1.58 | $1.37 |
| **Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Basic** | 653 | 643 | 631 |
| **Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Diluted** | 656 | 644 | 633 |

---

See Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

------

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Net income | $1052 | $1019 | $917 |
| Other comprehensive income (loss): |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adjustment to pension and other postemployment plans (net of tax expense (benefit) of $0, $4 and $(1), respectively) | (8) | 15 | (5) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net deferred gain from cash flow hedges (net of tax of $0, $0 and $0) |  | 4 | 1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reclassification of deferred (gain) loss from cash flow hedges realized in net income (net of tax of $0, $0 and $0) | (1) | (1) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | (9) | 18 | (4) |
| Comprehensive income | 1043 | 1037 | $913 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income allocated to preferred shareholders |  |  | 50 |
| Comprehensive income available to common shareholders | $1043 | $1037 | $863 |

---

See Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

------

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| **ASSETS** | | |
| **Current Assets:** | | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash and cash equivalents ($34 and $21 related to VIEs, respectively) | $38 | $24 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Investment in equity securities | 510 | 561 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable ($6 and $2 related to VIEs, respectively), less allowance for credit losses of $25 and $28, respectively | 806 | 717 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued unbilled revenues ($4 and $2 related to VIEs, respectively), less allowance for credit losses of $2 and $2, respectively | 600 | 521 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Materials and supplies | 517 | 541 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Natural gas and coal inventory | 215 | 173 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxes receivable | 36 | 121 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Current assets held for sale | 2669 | 1361 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory assets | 170 | 239 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prepaid expenses and other current assets ($6 and $2 related to VIEs, respectively) | 140 | 123 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current assets | 5701 | 4381 |
| **Property, Plant and Equipment, Net:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Property, plant and equipment | 44676 | 42667 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization | 10620 | 10578 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Property, plant and equipment, net | 34056 | 32089 |
| **Other Assets:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Goodwill | 3550 | 3943 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory assets ($683 and $313 related to VIEs, respectively) | 3005 | 3108 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other non-current assets | 222 | 247 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total other assets | 6777 | 7298 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Assets** | $46534 | $43768 |

---

See Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

------

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - (continued)**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **(in millions, except par value and shares)** | **(in millions, except par value and shares)** |
| **LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY** | | |
| **Current Liabilities:** | | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Short-term borrowings | $500 | $500 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Current portion of VIE Securitization Bonds long-term debt | 41 | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Indexed debt, net |  | 2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Current portion of other long-term debt | 1873 | 51 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Indexed debt securities derivative | 564 | 619 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts payable | 1300 | 1320 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxes accrued | 344 | 329 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest accrued ($7 and $2 related to VIEs, respectively) | 313 | 274 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dividends accrued | 150 | 143 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Customer deposits ($2 and $0 related to VIEs, respectively) | 89 | 93 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Current liabilities held for sale | 520 | 176 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other current liabilities ($15 and $0 related to VIEs, respectively) | 566 | 525 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current liabilities | 6260 | 4045 |
| **Other Liabilities:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred income taxes, net | 4602 | 4389 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefit obligations | 491 | 550 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory liabilities | 2692 | 2999 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other non-current liabilities | 770 | 722 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total other liabilities | 8555 | 8660 |
| **Long-term Debt, net:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;VIE Securitization Bonds, net | 664 | 308 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other long-term debt, net | 19902 | 20089 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total long-term debt, net | 20566 | 20397 |
| **Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)**  |  |  |
| **Shareholders' Equity:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 652,869,575 shares and 651,727,276 shares outstanding, respectively | 6 | 6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional paid-in capital | 9130 | 9105 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Retained earnings | 2043 | 1572 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (26) | (17) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total shareholders' equity | 11153 | 10666 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity** | $46534 | $43768 |

---

See Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

------

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES** 

**STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| **Cash Flows from Operating Activities:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income | $1052 | $1019 | $917 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 1530 | 1439 | 1401 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred income taxes | 122 | 221 | 31 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on sale | 49 |  | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss (gain) on equity securities | 51 | (20) | (31) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss (gain) on indexed debt securities | (55) | 14 | 27 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pension and postretirement contributions | (130) | (30) | (32) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in other assets and liabilities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net | (253) | (84) | 423 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inventory | (17) | 42 | 167 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts payable | (15) | 210 | (302) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other current assets | 146 | (118) | 1183 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other current liabilities | 64 | 106 | 57 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other non-current assets | (131) | (642) | (62) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other non-current liabilities | 157 | (32) | 25 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other operating activities, net | (84) | 14 | 60 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash provided by operating activities | 2486 | 2139 | 3877 |
| **Cash Flows from Investing Activities:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Capital expenditures | (4870) | (4513) | (4401) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payment for asset acquisition | (357) |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from divestitures  | 1219 |  | 144 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other investing activities, net | (8) | 24 | 24 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash used in investing activities | (4016) | (4489) | (4233) |
| **Cash Flows from Financing Activities:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Decrease in short-term borrowings, net | (3) | (4) | (10) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payments of commercial paper, net | (2) | (539) | (1055) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from long-term debt and term loans, net | 3714 | 3955 | 6044 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payments of long-term debt and term loans, including make-whole premiums | (1579) | (1050) | (3190) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payment of debt issuance costs | (46) | (35) | (55) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payment of dividends on Common Stock | (574) | (522) | (485) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payment of dividends on Preferred Stock |  |  | (50) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock, net |  | 494 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Redemption of Series A Preferred Stock |  |  | (800) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other financing activities, net | 39 | (28) | (25) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash provided by financing activities | 1549 | 2271 | 374 |
| **Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash** | 19 | (79) | 18 |
| **Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period** | 30 | 109 | 91 |
| **Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period** | $49 | $30 | $109 |

---

See Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

------

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CHANGES IN EQUITY**

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **Shares** | **Amount** | **Shares** | **Amount** | **Shares** | **Amount** |
| | **(in millions of dollars and shares, except authorized shares and par value)** | **(in millions of dollars and shares, except authorized shares and par value)** | **(in millions of dollars and shares, except authorized shares and par value)** | **(in millions of dollars and shares, except authorized shares and par value)** | **(in millions of dollars and shares, except authorized shares and par value)** | **(in millions of dollars and shares, except authorized shares and par value)** |
| **Cumulative Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 20,000,000 shares** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Balance, beginning of year |  | $— |  | $— | 1 | $790 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Redemption of Series A Preferred Stock |  |  |  |  | (1) | (790) |
| Balance, end of year |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| **Common Stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 1,000,000,000 shares** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Balance, beginning of year | 652 | 6 | 631 | 6 | 630 | 6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Issuances of Common Stock |  |  | 19 |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Issuances related to benefit and investment plans | 1 |  | 2 |  | 1 |  |
| Balance, end of year | 653 | 6 | 652 | 6 | 631 | 6 |
| **Additional Paid-in-Capital** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Balance, beginning of year |  | 9105 |  | 8604 |  | 8568 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Issuances of Common Stock, net of issuance costs |  |  |  | 494 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Issuances related to benefit and investment plans |  | 25 |  | 7 |  | 36 |
| Balance, end of year |  | 9130 |  | 9105 |  | 8604 |
| **Retained Earnings** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Balance, beginning of year |  | 1572 |  | 1092 |  | 709 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income |  | 1052 |  | 1019 |  | 917 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common Stock dividends declared (see Note 11) |  | (581) |  | (539) |  | (492) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Series A Preferred Stock dividends declared (see Note 11) |  |  |  |  |  | (42) |
| Balance, end of year |  | 2043 |  | 1572 |  | 1092 |
| **Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Balance, beginning of year |  | (17) |  | (35) |  | (31) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other comprehensive income (loss) |  | (9) |  | 18 |  | (4) |
| Balance, end of year |  | (26) |  | (17) |  | (35) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Shareholders' Equity** |  | $11153 |  | $10666 |  | $9667 |

---

See Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

------

**REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

To the Member of CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC

**Opinion on the Financial Statements**

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and subsidiaries (an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.) (the "Company") as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the related statements of consolidated income, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

**Basis for Opinion**

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

**Critical Audit Matter**

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

***Impact of Rate Regulation on the Financial Statements — Refer to Note 7 to the financial statements***

*Critical Audit Matter Description*

The Company is subject to rate regulation by the Public Utility Commission of Texas ("PUCT"), which has jurisdiction with respect to the rates of electric transmission and distribution companies in Texas. Management has determined it meets the requirements under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America to prepare its financial statements applying the specialized rules to account for the effects of cost-based rate regulation. The impacts of accounting for the economics of rate regulation are pervasive to the financial statements and disclosures.

The Company's rates are subject to regulatory rate-setting processes by the PUCT. Rates are determined and approved in regulatory proceedings based on an analysis of the Company's costs to provide utility service and a return on, and recovery of, the Company's investment in the utility business. Regulatory decisions can have an impact on the recovery of costs, the rate of return earned on investment, and the timing and amount of assets to be recovered in rates. The PUCT's regulation of rates is premised on the full recovery of prudently incurred costs and a reasonable rate of return on invested capital. Decisions to be made by the PUCT in the future will impact the accounting for regulated operations, including decisions about the amount of allowable costs and return on invested capital included in rates and any refunds that may be required. While the Company has indicated it expects to recover costs from customers through regulated rates, there is a risk that the PUCT will not approve: (1)

------

full recovery of the costs of providing utility service, or (2) full recovery of all amounts invested in the utility business and a reasonable return on that investment.

We identified rate regulation as a critical audit matter due to the significant judgments made by management to support its assertions about certain affected account balances and disclosures and the high degree of subjectivity involved in assessing the impact of regulatory actions on the financial statements. Management's judgments include assessing the likelihood of (1) recovery in future rates of incurred costs, (2) a disallowance of capital investments made by the Company, and (3) refunds to customers. Given that certain of management's accounting judgments are based on assumptions about the outcome of decisions by the PUCT, auditing these judgments required specialized knowledge of accounting for rate regulation and the rate setting process.

*How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit*

Our audit procedures related to the potential uncertainty of decisions by the PUCT included the following, among others:

• We evaluated the Company's disclosures related to the effects of rate regulation by testing certain recorded balances and evaluating regulatory developments.

• We read relevant regulatory orders issued by the PUCT, regulatory statutes, filings made by the Company and intervenors, and other external information. We evaluated relevant external information and compared it to certain recorded regulatory asset and liability balances for completeness.

• For certain regulatory matters, we inspected the Company's filings with the PUCT to assess the likelihood of recovery in future rates or of a future reduction in rates based on precedents of the PUCT's treatment of similar costs under similar circumstances.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas

February 19, 2026

We have served as the Company's auditor since 1932.

------

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)**

**STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| **Revenues** | $4084 | $3939 | $3677 |
| **Expenses:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operation and maintenance | 1913 | 1927 | 1673 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 807 | 762 | 748 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxes other than income taxes | 312 | 295 | 262 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | 3032 | 2984 | 2683 |
| **Operating Income** | 1052 | 955 | 994 |
| **Other Income (Expense):** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense and other finance charges | (369) | (311) | (259) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense on Securitization Bonds | (6) | (3) | (8) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other income, net | 48 | 43 | 34 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | (327) | (271) | (233) |
| **Income Before Income Taxes** | 725 | 684 | 761 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income tax expense | 147 | 138 | 168 |
| **Net Income** | $578 | $546 | $593 |

---

See Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

------

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)**

**STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Net income | $578 | $546 | $593 |
| Other comprehensive loss: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adjustment to pension and other postretirement plans (net of tax of $0, $0 and $0) | (1) | (1) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | (1) | (1) |  |
| Comprehensive income | $577 | $545 | $593 |

---

See Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

------

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)**

**CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| **ASSETS** | | |
| **Current Assets:** | | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash and cash equivalents ($25 and $14 related to VIEs, respectively) | $25 | $14 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts and notes receivable, net ($5 and $0 related to VIEs, respectively), less allowance for credit losses of $2 and $2, respectively | 326 | 307 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued unbilled revenues ($3 and $0 related to VIEs, respectively) | 169 | 137 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts and notes receivable—affiliated companies | 4 | 371 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Materials and supplies | 357 | 392 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prepaid expenses and other current assets ($4 and $0 related to VIEs, respectively) | 49 | 44 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current assets | 930 | 1265 |
| **Property, Plant and Equipment, Net** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Property, plant and equipment | 23947 | 21750 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization | 4944 | 4628 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Property, plant and equipment, net | 19003 | 17122 |
| **Other Assets:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory assets ($384 and $0 related to VIEs, respectively) | 1612 | 1284 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other non-current assets | 33 | 41 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total other assets | 1645 | 1325 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Assets** | $21578 | $19712 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **LIABILITIES AND MEMBER'S EQUITY** | | |
| **Current Liabilities:** | | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Short-term borrowings | $500 | $500 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Current portion of VIE Securitization Bonds long-term debt | 27 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Current portion of other long-term debt | 300 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts payable | 579 | 681 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts and notes payable—affiliated companies | 151 | 119 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxes accrued | 265 | 189 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest accrued ($5 and $0 related to VIEs, respectively) | 133 | 108 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other current liabilities ($17 and $0 related to VIEs, respectively) | 198 | 144 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current liabilities | 2153 | 1741 |
| **Other Liabilities:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred income taxes, net | 1609 | 1502 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefit obligations | 38 | 32 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory liabilities | 850 | 861 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other non-current liabilities | 144 | 95 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total other liabilities | 2641 | 2490 |
| **Long-Term Debt, net:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;VIE Securitization Bonds, net | 369 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other long-term debt, net | 8883 | 8322 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total long-term debt, net | 9252 | 8322 |
| **Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)** |  |  |
| **Member's Equity:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common stock |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional paid-in capital | 5683 | 5589 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Retained earnings | 1851 | 1571 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (2) | (1) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total member's equity | 7532 | 7159 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Liabilities and Member's Equity** | $21578 | $19712 |

---

See Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

------

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)**

**STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| **Cash Flows from Operating Activities:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income | $578 | $546 | $593 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 807 | 762 | 748 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred income taxes | 81 | 61 | 160 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in other assets and liabilities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net | (51) | (10) | 16 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable/payable–affiliated companies | (23) | 25 | (1) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inventory | 35 | 17 | 62 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts payable | (152) | 89 | (60) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other current assets | (1) | 7 | (48) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other current liabilities | 121 | 76 | 44 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other non-current assets | (217) | (587) | (87) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other non-current liabilities | 23 | (29) | (14) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other operating activities, net | (24) | 3 | (12) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash provided by operating activities | 1177 | 960 | 1401 |
| **Cash Flows from Investing Activities:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Capital expenditures | (2831) | (2642) | (2279) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Decrease (increase) in notes receivable–affiliated companies | 368 | (130) | (238) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other investing activities, net | 114 | 5 | 14 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash used in investing activities | (2349) | (2767) | (2503) |
| **Cash Flows from Financing Activities:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from long-term debt and term loan, net | 1499 | 1397 | 1398 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payments of long-term debt | (200) | (161) | (156) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase (decrease) in notes payable–affiliated companies | 54 |  | (642) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payment of debt issuance costs | (18) | (8) | (13) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dividend to parent | (298) | (339) | (367) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Contribution from parent | 94 | 844 | 885 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other financing activities, net | 56 | (1) | (2) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash provided by financing activities | 1187 | 1732 | 1103 |
| **Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash** | 15 | (75) | 1 |
| **Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of the Period** | 14 | 89 | 88 |
| **Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of the Period** | $29 | $14 | $89 |

---

See Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

------

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)**

**STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CHANGES IN EQUITY**

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **Shares** | **Amount** | **Shares** | **Amount** | **Shares** | **Amount** |
| | **(in millions, except share amounts)** | **(in millions, except share amounts)** | **(in millions, except share amounts)** | **(in millions, except share amounts)** | **(in millions, except share amounts)** | **(in millions, except share amounts)** |
| **Common Stock** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Balance, beginning of year | 1000 | $— | 1000 | $— | 1000 | $— |
| Balance, end of year | 1000 |  | 1000 |  | 1000 |  |
| **Additional Paid-in-Capital** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Balance, beginning of year |  | 5589 |  | 4745 |  | 3860 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Contribution from parent |  | 94 |  | 844 |  | 885 |
| Balance, end of year |  | 5683 |  | 5589 |  | 4745 |
| **Retained Earnings** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Balance, beginning of year |  | 1571 |  | 1364 |  | 1138 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income |  | 578 |  | 546 |  | 593 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dividend to parent |  | (298) |  | (339) |  | (367) |
| Balance, end of year |  | 1851 |  | 1571 |  | 1364 |
| **Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Balance, beginning of year |  | (1) |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other comprehensive loss  |  | (1) |  | (1) |  |  |
| Balance, end of year |  | (2) |  | (1) |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Member's Equity** |  | $7532 |  | $7159 |  | $6109 |

---

See Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

------

**REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

To the Stockholder of CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.

**Opinion on the Financial Statements**

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. and subsidiaries (an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.) (the "Company") as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the related statements of consolidated income, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

**Basis for Opinion**

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

**Critical Audit Matter**

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

***Impact of Rate Regulation on the Financial Statements — Refer to Note 7 to the financial statements***

*Critical Audit Matter Description*

The Company is subject to rate regulation by regulators and commissions in various jurisdictions (collectively, the "Commissions") that have jurisdiction with respect to the rates of gas transmission and distribution companies in those jurisdictions. Management has determined its regulated operations meet the requirements under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America to prepare its financial statements applying the specialized rules to account for the effects of cost-based rate regulation. The impacts of accounting for the economics of rate regulation are pervasive to the financial statements and disclosures.

The Company's rates are subject to regulatory rate-setting processes by the Commissions. Rates are determined and approved in regulatory proceedings based on an analysis of the Company's costs to provide utility service and a return on, and recovery of, the Company's investment in the utility business. Regulatory decisions can have an impact on the recovery of costs, the rate of return earned on investment, and the timing and amount of assets to be recovered in rates. The Commissions' regulation of rates is premised on the full recovery of prudently incurred costs and a reasonable rate of return on invested capital. Decisions to be made by the Commissions in the future will impact the accounting for regulated operations, including decisions about the amount of allowable costs and return on invested capital included in rates and any refunds that may be required. While the

------

Company has indicated it expects to recover costs from customers through regulated rates, there is a risk that the Commissions will not approve: (1) full recovery of the costs of providing utility service, or (2) full recovery of all amounts invested in the utility business and a reasonable return on that investment.

We identified rate regulation as a critical audit matter due to the significant judgments made by management to support its assertions about certain affected account balances and disclosures and the high degree of subjectivity involved in assessing the impact of regulatory actions on the financial statements. Management's judgments include assessing the likelihood of (1) recovery in future rates of incurred costs, (2) a disallowance of capital investments made by the Company and (3) refunds to customers. Given that certain of management's accounting judgments are based on assumptions about the outcome of decisions by the Commissions, auditing these judgments required specialized knowledge of accounting for rate regulation and the rate setting process.

*How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit*

Our audit procedures related to the potential uncertainty of decisions by the Commissions included the following, among others:

• We evaluated the Company's disclosures related to the effects of rate regulation by testing certain recorded balances and evaluating regulatory developments.

• We read relevant regulatory orders issued by the Commissions, regulatory statutes, filings made by the Company and intervenors, and other external information. We evaluated relevant external information and compared it to certain recorded regulatory asset and liability balances for completeness.

• For certain regulatory matters, we inspected the Company's filings with the Commissions to assess the likelihood of recovery in future rates or of a future reduction in rates based on precedents of the Commissions' treatment of similar costs under similar circumstances.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas

February 19, 2026

We have served as the Company's auditor since 1997.

------

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)**

**STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| **Revenues:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Utility revenues | $4296 | $3878 | $4107 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-utility revenues | 48 | 47 | 42 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | 4344 | 3925 | 4149 |
| **Expenses:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Utility natural gas | 1803 | 1489 | 1856 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operation and maintenance | 895 | 848 | 904 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 541 | 522 | 493 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxes other than income taxes | 242 | 234 | 243 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | 3485 | 3096 | 3499 |
| **Operating Income** | 859 | 829 | 650 |
| **Other Income (Expense):** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on sale | 46 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense and other finance charges | (194) | (197) | (178) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other income, net | 25 | 12 | 14 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | (123) | (185) | (164) |
| **Income Before Income Taxes** | 736 | 644 | 486 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income tax expense (benefit) | 97 | 104 | (26) |
| **Net Income** | $639 | $540 | $512 |

---

See Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

------

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)**

**STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME** 

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Net income | $639 | $540 | $512 |
| Other comprehensive income (loss): |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adjustment to pension and other postretirement plans (net of tax benefit of $1, $0 and $0) | (2) | 1 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | (2) | 1 |  |
| Comprehensive income | $637 | $541 | $512 |

---

See Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

------

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)**

**CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| **ASSETS** | | |
| **Current Assets**: | | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash and cash equivalents | $— | $2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses of $19 and $24, respectively | 391 | 349 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued unbilled revenue, less allowance for credit losses of $2 and $2, respectively | 372 | 338 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable—affiliated companies | 6 | 6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Material and supplies | 114 | 105 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Natural gas inventory | 165 | 137 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxes receivable |  | 46 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Current assets held for sale | 2495 | 1266 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory assets | 169 | 238 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 48 | 50 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current assets | 3760 | 2537 |
| **Property, Plant and Equipment, Net:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Property, plant and equipment | 14540 | 15552 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization | 3820 | 4146 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Property, plant and equipment, net | 10720 | 11406 |
| **Other Assets:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Goodwill | 1242 | 1461 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory assets | 479 | 903 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other non-current assets | 63 | 118 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total other assets | 1784 | 2482 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Assets** | $16264 | $16425 |

---

See Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

------

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)**

**CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - (continued)**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| **LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY** | | |
| **Current Liabilities:** | | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Current portion of long-term debt | $60 | $10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts payable | 480 | 405 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts and notes payable—affiliated companies | 394 | 101 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxes accrued | 165 | 150 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest accrued | 74 | 82 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Customer deposits | 76 | 81 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Current liabilities held for sale | 520 | 176 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other current liabilities | 242 | 255 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current liabilities | 2011 | 1260 |
| **Other Liabilities:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred income taxes, net | 1426 | 1370 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefit obligations | 62 | 63 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory liabilities | 1616 | 1887 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other non-current liabilities | 317 | 403 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total other liabilities | 3421 | 3723 |
| **Long-Term Debt, Net** | 4657 | 5174 |
| **Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)** |  |  |
| **Stockholder's Equity:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common stock |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional paid-in capital | 4519 | 4519 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Retained earnings | 1641 | 1732 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accumulated other comprehensive income | 15 | 17 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total stockholder's equity | 6175 | 6268 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity** | $16264 | $16425 |

---

See Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

------

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)**

**STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| **Cash Flows from Operating Activities:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income | $639 | $540 | $512 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 541 | 522 | 493 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred income taxes | 8 | 55 | (41) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on sale | (46) |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in other assets and liabilities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net | (162) | (73) | 410 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable/payable–affiliated companies | 2 | 38 | (81) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inventory | (34) | 6 | 101 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts payable | 134 | 43 | (250) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other current assets | 124 | (26) | 1050 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other current liabilities | (8) | 20 | 44 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other non-current assets | 152 | (122) | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other non-current liabilities | (53) | 89 | 40 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other operating activities, net | (35) | (24) | 21 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash provided by operating activities | 1262 | 1068 | 2312 |
| **Cash Flows from Investing Activities:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Capital expenditures | (1527) | (1439) | (1619) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Decrease (increase) in notes receivable–affiliated companies |  | 1 | (1) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from divestitures  | 1219 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other investing activities, net | (53) | 19 | (23) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (361) | (1419) | (1643) |
| **Cash Flows from Financing Activities:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Decrease in short-term borrowings, net | (3) | (4) | (10) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from (payments of) commercial paper, net | (40) | 115 | (321) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from long-term debt and term loans, net |  | 399 | 2006 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payments of long-term debt and term loans | (420) |  | (2332) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase in notes payable-affiliated companies | 291 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payments of debt issuance costs |  | (3) | (14) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dividend to parent | (730) | (442) | (496) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Contribution from parent |  | 290 | 500 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other financing activities, net | (1) | (3) | (1) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (903) | 352 | (668) |
| **Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash** | (2) | 1 | 1 |
| **Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period** | 2 | 1 |  |
| **Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period** | $— | $2 | $1 |

---

See Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

------

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)**

**STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CHANGES IN EQUITY**

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **Shares** | **Amount** | **Shares** | **Amount** | **Shares** | **Amount** |
| | **(in millions, except share amounts)** | **(in millions, except share amounts)** | **(in millions, except share amounts)** | **(in millions, except share amounts)** | **(in millions, except share amounts)** | **(in millions, except share amounts)** |
| **Common Stock** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Balance, beginning of year | 1000 | $— | 1000 | $— | 1000 | $— |
| Balance, end of year | 1000 |  | 1000 |  | 1000 |  |
| **Additional Paid-in-Capital** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Balance, beginning of year |  | 4519 |  | 4229 |  | 3729 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Contribution from parent |  |  |  | 290 |  | 500 |
| Balance, end of year |  | 4519 |  | 4519 |  | 4229 |
| **Retained Earnings** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Balance, beginning of year |  | 1732 |  | 1634 |  | 1618 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income |  | 639 |  | 540 |  | 512 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dividend to parent |  | (730) |  | (442) |  | (496) |
| Balance, end of year |  | 1641 |  | 1732 |  | 1634 |
| **Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Balance, beginning of year |  | 17 |  | 16 |  | 16 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other comprehensive income (loss) |  | (2) |  | 1 |  |  |
| Balance, end of year |  | 15 |  | 17 |  | 16 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Stockholder's Equity** |  | $6175 |  | $6268 |  | $5879 |

---

See Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

------

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(1) Background and Basis of Presentation** 

*General.* This combined Form 10-K is filed separately by three registrants: CenterPoint Energy, Inc., CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. Information contained herein relating to any individual Registrant is filed by such Registrant solely on its own behalf. No Registrant makes any representation as to information relating exclusively to the other Registrants or the subsidiaries of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. other than itself or its subsidiaries.

Except as discussed in Note 12, no Registrant has an obligation in respect of any other Registrant's debt securities, and holders of such debt securities should not consider the financial resources or results of operations of any Registrant other than the obligor in making a decision with respect to such securities.

*Basis of Presentation*. Included in this combined Form 10-K are the consolidated financial statements of the Registrants. The Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements apply to all Registrants and specific references to Houston Electric and CERC herein also pertain to CenterPoint Energy, unless otherwise indicated. Additionally, certain amounts from prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

*Background.* CenterPoint Energy is a public utility holding company. CenterPoint Energy's operating subsidiaries own and operate electric transmission, distribution and generation facilities and natural gas distribution systems.

As of December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy's indirect, wholly-owned operating subsidiaries included:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Houston Electric, which provides electric transmission service to transmission service customers in the ERCOT region and distribution service to REPs serving the Texas Gulf Coast area that includes the city of Houston;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• CERC Corp., which (i) directly owns and operates natural gas distribution systems in Minnesota and Texas, (ii) indirectly, through Indiana Gas and CEOH, owns and operates natural gas distribution systems in Indiana and Ohio, respectively, and (iii) owns and operates permanent pipeline connections through interconnects with various interstate and intrastate pipeline companies through CEIP; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• SIGECO, which provides energy delivery services to electric and natural gas customers located in and near Evansville in southwestern Indiana and owns and operates electric generation assets to serve its electric customers and optimizes those assets in the wholesale power market.

As of December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy's reportable segments were Electric, Natural Gas, and Corporate and Other. Houston Electric and CERC each consist of a single reportable segment. For a description of CenterPoint Energy's reportable segments, see Note 16.

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. 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. On October 20, 2025, CenterPoint Energy, through CERC Corp., entered into the Ohio Securities Purchase Agreement to sell all of the issued and outstanding equity interests in CEOH for total consideration of approximately $2.62 billion, subject to adjustment as set forth in the Ohio Securities Purchase Agreement. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. For further information, see Note 4.

*Principles of Consolidation.* The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with GAAP. The accounts of the Registrants and their wholly-owned and majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation; however, intercompany profits have not been eliminated when such amounts are probable of recovery under the affiliates' rate regulation process.

As of December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and SIGECO had VIEs including Transition Bond Company IV, Restoration Bond Company II and the SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary, which are consolidated. The

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consolidated VIEs are wholly-owned, bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entities that were formed solely for the purpose of securitizing transition property or system restoration property or facilitating the securitization financing of qualified costs. CenterPoint Energy, through SIGECO, has a controlling financial interest in the SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary and is its primary beneficiary. Houston Electric has a controlling financial interest in each of Transition Bond Company IV and Restoration Bond Company II and is the primary beneficiary of each. Creditors of CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and SIGECO have no recourse to any assets or revenues of Transition Bond Company IV and Restoration Bond Company II or the SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary, as applicable. The Securitization Bonds issued by these VIEs are payable only from and secured by transition property, system restoration property or securitization property, as applicable, and the bondholders have no recourse to the general credit of CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric or SIGECO. For further information, see Note 7.

**(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(a)Use of Estimates***

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(b)Revenues***

The Registrants record revenue for electricity delivery and natural gas sales and services under the accrual method and these revenues are recognized upon delivery to customers. Electricity deliveries not billed by month-end are accrued based on actual AMS meter data, supply volumes, estimated line loss and applicable tariff rates. Natural gas sales not billed by month-end are accrued based upon estimated purchased gas volumes, estimated lost and unaccounted for gas and currently effective tariff rates. For further discussion, see Note 5.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(c) MISO Transactions***

Indiana Electric is a member of the MISO. MISO-related purchase and sale transactions are recorded using settlement information provided by the MISO. These purchase and sale transactions are accounted for on at least a net hourly position, in which net purchases within that interval are recorded as Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power and net sales within that interval are recorded as Utility revenues on CenterPoint Energy's Statements of Consolidated Income. On occasion, prior period transactions are resettled outside the routine process due to a change in the MISO's tariff or a material interpretation thereof. Expenses associated with resettlements are recorded once the resettlement is probable and the resettlement amount can be estimated. Revenues associated with resettlements are recognized when the amount is determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(d) Environmental Costs***

The Registrants (i) expense or capitalize environmental expenditures, as appropriate, depending on their future economic benefit; (ii) expense amounts that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations that do not have future economic benefit; and (iii) record undiscounted liabilities related to these future costs when environmental assessments and/or remediation activities are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(e) Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash***

For purposes of reporting cash flows, the Registrants consider cash equivalents to be short-term, highly-liquid investments with maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. Cash and cash equivalents held by the Bond Companies and the SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary solely to support servicing the Securitization Bonds as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 are reflected on CenterPoint Energy's and Houston Electric's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In connection with the issuance of Securitization Bonds, CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric were required to establish restricted cash accounts to collateralize the bonds that were issued in these financing transactions. These restricted cash accounts are not available for withdrawal until the maturity of the bonds and are not included in cash and cash equivalents. For more information on restricted cash, see Note 17.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(f) Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses***

Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Management reviews historical write-offs, current available information and reasonable and supportable forecasts to estimate and establish allowance for credit losses. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when management determines it is probable that the receivable will not be recovered. See Note 7 for further information about regulatory deferrals of bad debt expense, including those related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(g) Inventory***

The Registrants' inventory consists principally of materials and supplies, and for CERC, natural gas, and for CenterPoint Energy, coal inventory. Materials and supplies are valued at the lower of average cost or market, are recorded to inventory when purchased and subsequently charged to expense or capitalized to plant when installed. Inventory related to CenterPoint Energy's regulated operations is valued at historical cost consistent with ratemaking treatment. Coal inventory is valued at average cost. Certain natural gas in storage at CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's utilities are recorded using the last in, first out (LIFO) method. CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's balances in inventory that were valued using LIFO method were as follows for the periods presented:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025 (1)** | **2024** | **2025 (1)** | **2024** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **CERC** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| LIFO inventory | $104 | $94 | $84 | $73 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Based on the average cost of gas purchased during December 2025, both CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's cost of replacing inventories carried at LIFO cost was $16 million higher than the carrying value at December 31, 2025.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(h) Long-lived Assets***

The Registrants record property, plant and equipment at historical cost and expense repair and maintenance costs as incurred.

The Registrants periodically evaluate long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. For rate-regulated businesses, recoverability of long-lived assets is assessed by determining if a capital disallowance from a regulator is probable through monitoring the outcome of rate cases and other proceedings. For businesses that are not rate-regulated, recoverability is assessed based on an estimate of undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets compared to the carrying value of the assets. No long-lived asset impairments were recorded in 2025, 2024 or 2023.

The Registrants compute depreciation and amortization using the straight-line method based on economic lives or regulatory-mandated recovery periods. Amortization expense includes amortization of certain regulatory assets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(i) Goodwill***

CenterPoint Energy and CERC perform goodwill impairment tests at least annually and evaluate goodwill when events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment by performing a qualitative assessment or using a quantitative test. If CenterPoint Energy or CERC chooses to perform a qualitative assessment and determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative test is then performed; otherwise, no further testing is required. The quantitative test, if required, is performed by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit is primarily determined based on a weighted combination of income and market approaches. When the carrying amount is in excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, the excess amount is recorded as an impairment charge, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. CenterPoint Energy includes deferred tax assets and liabilities within its reporting unit's carrying value for the purposes of annual and interim impairment tests, regardless of whether the estimated fair value reflects the disposition of such assets and liabilities. For further information about the goodwill impairment tests, see Note 6.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(j) Regulatory Assets and Liabilities***

The Registrants apply the guidance for accounting for regulated operations within the Electric reportable segment and the Natural Gas reportable segment. The Registrants' rate-regulated subsidiaries may collect revenues subject to refund pending final determination in rate proceedings. In connection with such revenues, estimated rate refund liabilities are recorded which reflect management's current judgment of the ultimate outcomes of the proceedings.

The Registrants' rate-regulated businesses recognize removal costs as a component of depreciation expense in accordance with regulatory treatment. In addition, a portion of the amount of removal costs collected from customers that relate to AROs has been reflected as an asset retirement liability in accordance with accounting guidance for AROs.

The Registrants account for an ARO at fair value in the period during which the legal obligation is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value and its settlement date can be made. When an ARO is recorded, the associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. The Registrants recognize a regulatory asset or liability for the timing differences between the recognition of expenses and costs recovered through the ratemaking process. The estimates of future liabilities are developed using a discounted cash flow model based upon estimates and assumptions of future costs, interest rates, credit-adjusted risk-free rates and the estimated timing of settlement.

For further detail on the Registrants' regulatory assets and liabilities, see Note 7.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(k) Capitalization and Deferral of Interest, including AFUDC***

The Registrants capitalize interest and AFUDC as a component of projects under construction and amortize it over the assets' estimated useful lives once the assets are placed in service. Additionally, the Registrants defer interest costs into a regulatory asset when amounts are probable of recovery. Deferred debt interest is amortized over the recovery period for rate-making purposes. AFUDC represents the composite interest cost of borrowed funds and a reasonable return on the equity funds used for construction for subsidiaries that apply the guidance for accounting for regulated operations. Although AFUDC increases both property, plant and equipment and earnings, it is realized in cash when the assets are included in rates. The table below includes interest capitalized or deferred for the periods presented:

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| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Capitalized interest and AFUDC debt (1) | $37 | $21 | $7 | $33 | $18 | $8 | $32 | $18 | $6 |
| AFUDC equity (2) | 74 | 37 | 15 | 66 | 33 | 17 | 62 | 32 | 14 |
| Deferred debt interest (3) | 71 | 39 | 30 | 65 | 24 | 36 | 65 | 16 | 43 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Included in Interest expense and other finance charges on the Registrants' respective Statements of Consolidated Income.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)Included in Other income (expense), net on the Registrants' respective Statements of Consolidated Income.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)Represents the amount on certain regulatory assets that are authorized to earn a return, such as debt post in-service carrying costs on property, plant and equipment, gas costs, storm restoration costs, and TEEEF (including returns on both regulatory and lease assets) and is included in Interest expense and other finance charges on the Registrants' respective Statements of Consolidated Income.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(l) Leases***

An arrangement is determined to be a lease at inception based on whether the Registrant has the right to control the use of an identified asset. ROU assets represent the Registrants' right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Registrants' obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term, including payments at commencement that depend on an index or rate. Most leases in which the Registrants are the lessee do not have a readily determinable implicit rate, so an incremental borrowing rate, based on the information available at the lease commencement date, is utilized to determine the present value of lease payments. When a secured borrowing rate is not readily available, unsecured borrowing rates are adjusted for the effects of collateral to determine the incremental borrowing rate. Each Registrant uses the implicit rate for agreements in which it is a lessor. Lease income and expense for operating leases and ROU amortization for finance leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The Registrants have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components and have elected the practical expedient to combine lease and non-lease components for certain classes of leases, such as office buildings and TEEEF. For classes of leases in which lease and non-lease components are not combined, consideration is allocated between components based on the stand-alone prices. Sublease income is not significant to the Registrants.

The Registrants' lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees, material restrictions or material covenants. Except as described in Note 18, there are no lease transactions between related parties. Agreements in which the Registrants are lessors do not include provisions for the lessee to purchase the assets. Because risk is minimal, the Registrants do not take any significant actions to manage risk associated with the residual value of their leased assets.

The Registrants' operating lease agreements are primarily equipment and real property leases, including land and office facility leases. CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric also have finance lease agreements for TEEEF. The Registrants' lease terms may include options to extend or terminate a lease when it is reasonably certain that those options will be exercised. The Registrants have elected an accounting policy that exempts leases with terms of one year or less from the recognition requirements of ASC 842. For further details on the Registrants' leases, see Note 19.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(m) Income Taxes***

Houston Electric and CERC are included in CenterPoint Energy's U.S. federal consolidated income tax return. Houston Electric and CERC report their income tax provision on a separate entity basis pursuant to a tax sharing policy with CenterPoint Energy. Current federal and certain state income taxes are payable to or receivable from CenterPoint Energy.

The Registrants use the asset and liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. A valuation allowance is established against deferred tax assets for which management believes realization is not considered to be more likely than not. The Registrants recognize interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense (benefit), as applicable, in their respective Statements of Consolidated Income.

To the extent certain EDIT of the Registrants' rate-regulated subsidiaries may be recoverable or payable through future rates, regulatory assets and liabilities have been recorded, respectively. See Note 13 for further discussion.

The Registrants use the portfolio approach to recognize income tax effects on other comprehensive income from accumulated other comprehensive income.

Investment tax credits are deferred and amortized to income over the approximate lives of the related property. Production tax credits extended by the IRA may be used to reduce current federal income taxes payable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(n) Investments in Equity Securities (CenterPoint Energy)***

CenterPoint Energy reports equity securities at estimated fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and any gains and losses, net of any transaction costs, are recorded as Gain (loss) on equity securities in the Statements of Consolidated Income. For further discussion on equity securities, see Note 10.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(o) Assets Held for Sale***

Generally, a long-lived asset to be sold is classified as held for sale in the period in which management, with approval from the Board, as applicable, commits to a plan to sell, and a sale is expected to be completed within one year. The Registrants record assets and liabilities held for sale, or the disposal group, at the lower of their carrying value or their fair value less cost to sell. If a disposal group reflects a component of a reporting unit and meets the definition of a business, the goodwill within that reporting unit is allocated to the disposal group based on the relative fair value of the components representing a business that will be retained and disposed. Goodwill is not allocated to a portion of a reporting unit that does not meet the definition of a business.

Fair value is the amount at which an asset, liability or business could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties and may be estimated using a number of techniques, including quoted market prices, present value techniques based on estimates of cash flows, or multiples of earnings or revenue performance measures. The fair value could be different if different estimates and assumptions in these valuation techniques were applied. Fair value measurements require significant judgment and often unobservable inputs, including (i) projected timing and amount of future cash flows, which factor in planned growth initiatives, (ii) the regulatory environment, as applicable, and (iii) discount rates reflecting risk inherent in the future market prices. Changes in these assumptions could have a significant impact on the resulting fair value.

As of December 31, 2025, certain assets and liabilities representing the Ohio natural gas LDC business met the held for sale criteria. The sale will be considered an asset sale for tax purposes, requiring net deferred tax liabilities to be excluded from held for sale balances. Although the Ohio natural gas LDC business met the held for sale criteria as of December 31, 2025, and the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses met the held for sale criteria as of December 31, 2024, their disposals did not represent a strategic shift for CenterPoint Energy or CERC, as both retain significant operations in, and continue to invest in, their natural gas businesses. Therefore, the assets and liabilities, as well as the related income and expenses, associated with this transaction were not reflected as discontinued operations on CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Consolidated Income, as applicable, and the December 31, 2024 Consolidated Balance Sheets were not required to be recast for assets held for sale. For further discussion of the sale, see Note 4.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(p) Recent Accounting Pronouncements***

In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software ("ASU 2025-06"). This ASU modernizes the accounting for software costs to adapt to an incremental and iterative software development method. ASU 2025-06 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2027, and may be applied using a prospective, modified prospective or retrospective transition approach. The Registrants are currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on their respective consolidated financial statements.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Expense Disaggregation Disclosures ("ASU 2024-03"). This ASU improves disclosure of a public business entity's expense by requiring disaggregated disclosure of expenses in commonly presented expense captions. ASU 2024-03 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The Registrants are currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on their respective consolidated financial statements.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures ("ASU 2023-09"). This ASU enhances the transparency of income tax disclosures related to rate reconciliation and income taxes. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Registrants adopted this ASU on December 31, 2025, on a retrospective basis. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on their respective consolidated financial statements. See Note 13 for additional disclosures related to effective tax rate reconciliation and Note 17 for additional disclosures related to income taxes paid.

Management believes that all other recently adopted and recently issued accounting standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on the Registrants' financial position, results of operations or cash flows upon adoption.

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**(3) Property, Plant and Equipment** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(a) Property, Plant and Equipment***

Property, plant and equipment includes the following for the periods presented:

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| |<br>**Weighted Average Useful Lives** | **Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross** | **Accumulated Depreciation & Amortization** | **Property, Plant and Equipment, Net** | **Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross** | **Accumulated Depreciation & Amortization** | **Property, Plant and Equipment, Net** |
| | **(in years)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| **CenterPoint Energy** | | | | | | | |
| Electric transmission and distribution | 36 | $23721 | $5102 | $18619 | $21387 | $4810 | $16577 |
| Electric generation | 35 | 1569 | 169 | 1400 | 1107 | 154 | 953 |
| Natural gas distribution | 33 | 15430 | 3995 | 11435 | 16399 | 4326 | 12073 |
| Finance ROU asset (1) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.5 | 662 | 327 | 335 | 662 | 232 | 430 |
| Other property | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21 | 3294 | 1027 | 2267 | 3112 | 1056 | 2056 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total |  | $44676 | $10620 | $34056 | $42667 | $10578 | $32089 |
| **Houston Electric** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Electric transmission and distribution | 36 | $20726 | $3915 | $16811 | $18645 | $3647 | $14998 |
| Finance ROU asset (1) | 7.5 | 662 | 327 | 335 | 662 | 232 | 430 |
| Other property | 20 | 2559 | 702 | 1857 | 2443 | 749 | 1694 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total |  | $23947 | $4944 | $19003 | $21750 | $4628 | $17122 |
| **CERC** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Natural gas distribution | 33 | $14451 | $3792 | $10659 | $15474 | $4118 | $11356 |
| Other property | 10 | 89 | 28 | 61 | 78 | 28 | 50 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total |  | $14540 | $3820 | $10720 | $15552 | $4146 | $11406 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Houston Electric recognized a finance ROU asset as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 related to TEEEF. See Note 19 for further discussion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(b) Depreciation and Amortization***

The following table presents depreciation and amortization expense for the periods presented:

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| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Depreciation | $1256 | $588 | $502 | $1177 | $545 | $492 | $1092 | $484 | $459 |
| Amortization of securitized regulatory assets | 26 | 12 |  | 90 | 74 |  | 163 | 155 |  |
| Other amortization | 248 | 207 | 39 | 172 | 143 | 30 | 146 | 109 | 34 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $1530 | $807 | $541 | $1439 | $762 | $522 | $1401 | $748 | $493 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(c) AROs***

The Registrants have recorded AROs associated with the removal of asbestos and asbestos-containing material in their buildings, including substation building structures. CenterPoint Energy recorded AROs relating to the closure of the ash ponds at A.B. Brown and F.B. Culley as well as certain sites in Indiana pursuant to the CCR Legacy Rule; see Note 14(c) for further discussion. CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric also recorded AROs relating to treated wood poles for electric distribution, distribution transformers containing PCB (also known as Polychlorinated Biphenyl), and underground fuel storage tanks. CenterPoint Energy and CERC also recorded AROs relating to gas pipelines abandoned in place.

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A reconciliation of the changes in the ARO liability recorded in Other non-current liabilities on each of the Registrants' respective Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows for the periods presented:

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Beginning balance | $588 | $39 | $363 | $590 | $40 | $380 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additions | 8 |  | 4 | 11 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accretion expense (1) | 27 | 2 | 14 | 21 | 1 | 16 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Revisions in estimates (2) | (19) | (3) | (60) | (34) | (2) | (33) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs (3) | (60) |  | (60) |  |  |  |
| Ending balance (4) | $544 | $38 | $261 | $588 | $39 | $363 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Reflected in Regulatory assets on each of the Registrants' respective Consolidated Balance Sheets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)In 2025 and 2024, CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and CERC reflected a decrease in their respective ARO liability, which was primarily attributable to increases in the long-term interest rates used for discounting in the ARO calculation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)Reflected a decrease in ARO liability related to the divestiture of the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs on March 31, 2025. See Note 4 for further information regarding the divestiture.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4)Includes $34 million related to the Ohio natural gas LDC business, which was classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2025 in CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 4 for further information regarding the divestiture.

**(4) Held for Sale, Divestitures and Acquisition (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)** 

***Held for Sale.*** On October 20, 2025, CERC Corp. entered into the Ohio Securities Purchase Agreement to sell all of the issued and outstanding equity interests in CEOH to NFGC. The purchase price is $2.62 billion, which is comprised of the following: (i) $1.42 billion in cash payable to CERC Corp. upon closing of the transaction, subject to adjustments as set forth in the Ohio Securities Purchase Agreement, including adjustments based on net working capital, regulatory assets and liabilities and capital expenditures at closing of the transaction; and (ii) a 364-day seller promissory note, in the original principal amount of $1.2 billion, to be issued by NFGC at the closing of the transaction and payable to CERC Corp. as provided by the terms and conditions of the Seller Note Agreement. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including (i) the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended; (ii) completion of a notice filing and review with the PUCO; and (iii) customary conditions regarding the accuracy of the representations and warranties and compliance by the parties with their respective obligations under the Ohio Securities Purchase Agreement. The transaction is not subject to a financing condition and will not close prior to October 1, 2026 without the consent of CERC Corp. As of December 31, 2025, the assets included approximately 6,000 miles of transmission and distribution pipeline in Ohio serving approximately 337,000 metered customers. The Ohio natural gas LDC business is reflected in CenterPoint Energy's Natural Gas reportable segment and CERC's single reportable segment. A filing was made on January 9, 2026, notifying the PUCO of the execution of the Ohio Securities Purchase Agreement.

In October 2025, certain assets and liabilities representing the Ohio natural gas LDC business met the held for sale criteria. Neither CenterPoint Energy nor CERC recognized any gains or losses upon classification of held for sale during the year ended December 31, 2025. See Note 6 for further disclosure regarding the amount of goodwill allocated to the businesses to be sold.

------

The assets and liabilities of the Ohio natural gas LDC business classified as held for sale in CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's Consolidated Balance Sheets, as applicable, included the following:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Accounts receivable, net | $47 | $47 |
| Accrued unbilled revenues | 45 | 45 |
| Materials and supplies | 9 | 9 |
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 1803 | 1803 |
| Goodwill | 393 | 219 |
| Regulatory assets | 372 | 372 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current assets held for sale | $2669 | $2495 |
| Accounts payable | $100 | $100 |
| Taxes accrued | 37 | 37 |
| Customer deposits | 5 | 5 |
| Other current liabilities | 8 | 8 |
| Regulatory liabilities | 328 | 328 |
| Other non-current liabilities | 42 | 42 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current liabilities held for sale | $520 | $520 |

---

Although the Ohio natural gas LDC business meets the held for sale criteria, its proposed disposal does not represent a strategic shift for CenterPoint Energy and CERC as both will retain significant operations in, and will continue to invest in, their natural gas businesses. Therefore, the assets and liabilities, as well as the related income and expenses, associated with this transaction were not reflected as discontinued operations on CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Consolidated Income, as applicable, and the December 31, 2024 Consolidated Balance Sheets were not required to be recast for assets held for sale. Since the depreciation on the assets of the Ohio natural gas LDC business will continue to be reflected in revenues through customer rates until the expected closing of the transaction and will be reflected in the carryover basis of the rate-regulated assets once sold, CenterPoint Energy and CERC will continue to record depreciation on those assets through the expected closing of the transaction.

The pre-tax income for the Ohio natural gas LDC business, excluding corporate allocations, included in CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's Statements of Consolidated Income is as follows:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Income Before Income Taxes | $98 | $95 | $96 |

---

***Divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses.*** On February 19, 2024, CERC Corp. entered into the LAMS Asset Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which CERC Corp. agreed to sell its Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses. The purchase price for the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses was $1.2 billion. The transaction closed on March 31, 2025. As of the closing date, the businesses included approximately 12,000 miles of main pipeline in Louisiana and Mississippi serving more than 380,000 customers. Prior to the sale, the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses were reflected in CenterPoint Energy's Natural Gas reportable segment and CERC's single reportable segment, as applicable.

The sale was considered an asset sale for tax purposes, requiring net deferred tax liabilities to be excluded from held for sale balances. The deferred taxes associated with the businesses were recognized as a deferred income tax benefit by CenterPoint Energy and CERC upon closing of the sale in 2025.

Although the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses met the held for sale criteria at December 31, 2024, their disposals did not represent a strategic shift for CenterPoint Energy or CERC, as both retain significant operations in, and continue to invest in, their natural gas businesses. Therefore, the assets and liabilities, as well as the related income and

------

expenses, associated with these transactions were not reflected as discontinued operations on CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Consolidated Income, as applicable. Since the depreciation on the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses' assets continued to be reflected in revenues through customer rates until the closing of the transaction and was then reflected in the carryover basis of the rate-regulated assets after the sale, CenterPoint Energy and CERC continued to record depreciation on those assets through the closing of the transaction. The Registrants recorded assets and liabilities held for sale at the lower of their carrying value or their estimated fair value less cost to sell.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC recognized a loss of $49 million and a gain of $46 million, respectively, net of transaction costs of $21 million, in connection with the closing of the disposition of the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses during the year ended December 31, 2025. Goodwill of $217 million and $122 million was allocated to the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses by CenterPoint Energy and CERC, respectively, at the time the held for sale criteria was met and such amount was subsequently derecognized following the completion of the sale on March 31, 2025. As of December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy and CERC had a receivable of $6 million for working capital and other customary adjustments set forth in the LAMS Asset Purchase Agreement, which was received from the LAMS Buyers in the first quarter of 2026.

The assets and liabilities of the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses classified as held for sale in CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's Consolidated Balance Sheets, as applicable, included the following:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Accounts receivable, net | $27 | $27 |
| Accrued unbilled revenues | 26 | 26 |
| Materials and supplies | 13 | 13 |
| Natural gas inventory | 5 | 5 |
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 1052 | 1052 |
| Goodwill | 217 | 122 |
| Regulatory assets | 15 | 15 |
| Other | 6 | 6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current assets held for sale | $1361 | $1266 |
| Short-term borrowings | $3 | $3 |
| Accounts payable | 44 | 44 |
| Customer deposits | 14 | 14 |
| Regulatory liabilities | 31 | 31 |
| Other | 84 | 84 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current liabilities held for sale | $176 | $176 |

---

The pre-tax income for the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses, excluding interest and corporate allocations, included in CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's Statements of Consolidated Income is as follows for the periods presented:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025 (1)** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Income Before Income Taxes | $48 | $67 | $44 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Reflects pre-tax income, excluding interest and corporate allocations through March 31, 2025.

Effective on the date of the closing of the disposition of the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses, CERC entered into the Transition Services Agreement, whereby CERC agreed to provide certain transition services, including accounting, customer operations, procurement, and technology functions, for a term of up to 24 months. Subject to the conditions in the Transition Services Agreement, the LAMS Buyers may terminate these support services with 60 days prior written notice. CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's charges to the LAMS Buyers for reimbursement of transition services and one-time setup costs totaled $34 million during the year ended December 31, 2025. CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's Consolidated Balance Sheets included a receivable due from the LAMS Buyers for transition services of $9 million as of

------

December 31, 2025.

***Divestiture of Energy Systems Group****.* On May 21, 2023, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary Vectren Energy Services, entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement to sell all of the outstanding limited liability company interests of Energy Systems Group to ESG Holdings Group, for a purchase price of $157 million, subject to customary adjustments set forth in the Equity Purchase Agreement, including adjustments based on Energy Systems Group's net working capital at closing, indebtedness, cash and cash equivalents and transaction expenses. The transaction closed on June 30, 2023, and CenterPoint Energy received $154 million in cash. In November 2024, CenterPoint Energy paid $2 million to ESG Holdings Group for working capital and other adjustments set forth in the Equity Purchase Agreement. For a discussion of CenterPoint Energy's pre-disposition guarantees related to Energy Systems Group, see Note 14(b).

CenterPoint Energy recognized a loss on sale of approximately $13 million, including $3 million of transaction costs, during the year ended December 31, 2023, in connection with the closing of the sale of Energy Systems Group. Additionally, CenterPoint Energy recognized a current tax expense of $32 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, as a result of the cash taxes payable upon the closing of the sale.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the pre-tax loss for Energy Systems Group, excluding interest and corporate allocations, included in CenterPoint Energy's Statements of Consolidated Income was $4 million, which reflected January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023 results.

***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. The purchase represents an asset acquisition. The lease obligations related to Posey Solar were approximately $35 million at the time of acquisition. The purchase was subject to terms and conditions in an order approved by the IURC on September 6, 2023, allowing Indiana Electric to recover project costs, net of PTCs, in rate base rather than a levelized rate, through base rates or the CECA mechanism, depending on which provides more timely recovery. Posey Solar was placed into service on May 30, 2025. Indiana Electric began recovering on the asset through updated base rates on June 17, 2025. On February 3, 2025, the IURC approved Indiana Electric's request to convey PTCs to customers through the new tax adjustment rider.

**(5) Revenue** 

In accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which the Registrants expect to be entitled to receive in exchange for these goods or services.

ARPs are contracts between the utility and its regulators, not between the utility and a customer. The Registrants recognize ARP revenue as other revenues when the regulator-specified conditions for recognition have been met. Upon recovery of ARP revenue through incorporation in rates charged for utility service to customers, ARP revenue is reversed and recorded as revenue from contracts with customers. The recognition of ARP revenues and the reversal of ARP revenues upon recovery through rates charged for utility service may not occur in the same period.

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The following tables disaggregate revenues by reportable segment and major source for the periods presented:

**CenterPoint Energy**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** |
| | **Electric** | **Natural Gas** | **Corporate and Other** | **Total** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Revenue from contracts with customers | $4829 | $4503 | $5 | $9337 |
| Other (1) | 37 | (17) | 3 | 23 |
| Eliminations |  | (3) |  | (3) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total revenues | $4866 | $4483 | $8 | $9357 |
|  | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** |
|  | **Electric** | **Natural Gas** | **Corporate and Other** | **Total** |
|  | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Revenue from contracts with customers | $4558 | $3990 | $4 | $8552 |
| Other (1) | 32 | 58 | 3 | 93 |
| Eliminations |  | (2) |  | (2) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total revenues | $4590 | $4046 | $7 | $8643 |
|  | **Year Ended December 31, 2023** | **Year Ended December 31, 2023** | **Year Ended December 31, 2023** | **Year Ended December 31, 2023** |
|  | **Electric** | **Natural Gas** | **Corporate and Other** | **Total** |
|  | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Revenue from contracts with customers | $4275 | $4210 | $127 | $8612 |
| Other (1) | 15 | 69 | 3 | 87 |
| Eliminations |  | (3) |  | (3) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total revenues | $4290 | $4276 | $130 | $8696 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Primarily consists of income from ARPs and leases.

**Houston Electric**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Revenue from contracts with customers | $4054 | $3930 | $3684 |
| Other (1) | 30 | 9 | (7) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total revenues | $4084 | $3939 | $3677 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Primarily consists of income from ARPs and leases.

**CERC**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Revenue from contracts with customers | $4362 | $3868 | $4083 |
| Other (1) | (18) | 57 | 66 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total revenues | $4344 | $3925 | $4149 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Primarily consists of income from ARPs and leases.

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**Revenues from Contracts with Customers**

***Electric (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric).*** Houston Electric distributes electricity to customers over time and customers consume the electricity when delivered. Indiana Electric generates, distributes and transmits electricity to customers over time and customers consume the electricity when delivered. Revenue, consisting of both volumetric and fixed tariff rates set by state regulators, such as the PUCT and the IURC, is recognized as electricity is delivered and represents amounts both billed and unbilled. Discretionary services requested by customers are provided at a point in time with control transferring upon the completion of the service. Revenue for discretionary services provided by Houston Electric is recognized upon completion of service based on the tariff rates set by the PUCT. Payments for electricity distribution and discretionary services are aggregated and received on a monthly basis. Houston Electric performs transmission services over time as a stand-ready obligation to provide a reliable network of transmission systems. Revenue is recognized upon time elapsed and the monthly tariff rate set by the regulator. Payments are received on a monthly basis. Indiana Electric customers are billed monthly and payment terms, set by the regulator, require payment within a month of billing.

***Natural Gas (CenterPoint Energy and CERC).*** CenterPoint Energy and CERC distribute and transport natural gas to customers over time and customers consume the natural gas when delivered. Revenue, consisting of both volumetric and fixed tariff rates set by the state governing agency for that service area, is recognized as natural gas is delivered and represents amounts both billed and unbilled. Discretionary services requested by the customer are provided at a point in time with control transferring upon completion of the service. Revenue for discretionary services is recognized upon completion of service based on the tariff rates set by the applicable state regulator. Payments of natural gas distribution, transportation and discretionary services are aggregated and received on a monthly basis.

***Contract Balances.*** When the timing of delivery of service is different from the timing of the payments made by customers and when the right to consideration is conditioned on something other than the passage of time, the Registrants recognize a contract liability when customer payment precedes performance. Those customers that prepay are represented by contract liabilities until the performance obligations are satisfied. The Registrants' contract liabilities are included in Accounts payable and Other current liabilities in their Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The opening and closing balances of accounts receivable and accrued unbilled revenues from contracts with customers are as follows:

**CenterPoint Energy**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Accounts Receivable (1) (2)** | **Accrued Unbilled Revenues (2)** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Opening balance as of December 31, 2024 | $666 | $521 |
| Closing balance as of December 31, 2025 | 722 | 600 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase | $56 | $79 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Excludes balances related to customer or vendor cost reimbursements and insurance that are not attributable to revenues from contracts with customers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)The opening balance as of December 31, 2024 also excluded receivables associated with the sale of CERC Corp.'s Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses. The closing balance as of December 31, 2025 also excluded receivables classified as held for sale associated with the Ohio natural gas LDC business.

**Houston Electric**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Accounts Receivable (1)** | **Accrued Unbilled Revenues** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Opening balance as of December 31, 2024 | $284 | $137 |
| Closing balance as of December 31, 2025 | 300 | 169 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase | $16 | $32 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Excludes balances related to customer or vendor cost reimbursements and insurance that are not attributable to revenues from contracts with customers.

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**CERC**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Accounts Receivable (1) (2)** | **Accrued Unbilled Revenues (2)** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Opening balance as of December 31, 2024 | $326 | $338 |
| Closing balance as of December 31, 2025 | 357 | 372 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase (decrease) | $31 | $34 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Excludes balances related to customer or vendor cost reimbursements and insurance that are not attributable to revenues from contracts with customers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)The opening balance as of December 31, 2024 also excluded receivables associated with the sale of CERC Corp.'s Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses. The closing balance as of December 31, 2025 also excluded receivables classified as held for sale associated with the Ohio natural gas LDC business.

***Practical Expedients and Exemption.*** Sales taxes and other similar taxes collected from customers are excluded from the transaction price. For contracts for which revenue from the satisfaction of the performance obligations is recognized in the amount invoiced, the practical expedient was elected and revenue expected to be recognized on these contracts has not been disclosed.

**Allowance for Credit Losses and Bad Debt Expense**

CenterPoint Energy and CERC segregate financial assets that fall under the scope of ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, primarily trade receivables due in one year or less, into portfolio segments based on shared risk characteristics, such as geographical location and regulatory environment, for evaluation of expected credit losses. Historical and current information, such as average write-offs, are applied to each portfolio segment to estimate the allowance for losses on uncollectible receivables. Additionally, the allowance for losses on uncollectible receivables is adjusted for reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions, which can include changing weather, commodity prices, regulations and macroeconomic factors, among others. Houston Electric had no material changes in its methodology to recognize losses on financial assets that fall under the scope of Topic 326, primarily due to the nature of its customers and regulatory environment. For a discussion of regulatory deferrals, see Note 7.

The table below summarizes the Registrants' bad debt expense amounts for the periods presented, net of regulatory deferrals:

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| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Bad debt expense | $19 | $1 | $14 | $21 | $1 | $16 | $18 | $— | $16 |

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**(6) Goodwill (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)** 

CenterPoint Energy's goodwill by reportable segment is as follows for the periods presented:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Electric (1)** | **Natural Gas** | **Corporate and Other** | **Total** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $936 | $2920 | $304 | $4160 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Held for Sale (2) |  | 217 |  | 217 |
| Balance at December 31, 2024 | 936 | 2703 | 304 | 3943 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Held for Sale (3) |  | 393 |  | 393 |
| Balance at December 31, 2025 | $936 | $2310 | $304 | $3550 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Balances are presented net of the accumulated goodwill impairment charge of $185 million recorded in 2020.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)Represents goodwill attributable to the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2024 and subsequently derecognized following completion of the sale on March 31, 2025. CenterPoint Energy did not recognize any goodwill impairments within the Natural Gas reportable segment for the year ended December 31, 2024. For further information, see Note 4.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)Represents goodwill attributable to the Ohio natural gas LDC business classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2025. CenterPoint Energy did not recognize any goodwill impairments within the Natural Gas reportable segment for the year ended December 31, 2025. For further information, see Note 4.

CERC's goodwill is as follows for the periods presented:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **Total** |
| | **(in millions)** |
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $1583 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Held for Sale (1) | 122 |
| Balance at December 31, 2024 | 1461 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Held for Sale (2) | 219 |
| Balance at December 31, 2025 | $1242 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Represents goodwill attributable to the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2024 and subsequently derecognized following the completion of the sale on March 31, 2025. CERC did not recognize any goodwill impairments for the year ended December 31, 2024. For further information, see Note 4.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)Represents goodwill attributable to the Ohio natural gas LDC business classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2025. CERC did not recognize any goodwill impairments during the year ended December 31, 2025. For further information, see Note 4.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC performed their annual goodwill impairment tests in the third quarter of each of 2025 and 2024 and determined that no goodwill impairment charge was required for any reporting unit as a result of those tests.

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**(7) Regulatory Matters** 

The following is a list of regulatory assets and liabilities reflected on the Registrants' respective Consolidated Balance Sheets for the periods presented:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| **Regulatory Assets:** | | | |
| **Future amounts recoverable from ratepayers related to:** | | | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefit obligations (1) | $372 | $— | $4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Asset retirement obligations & other | 256 | 80 | 126 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net deferred income taxes | 194 | 55 | 103 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total future amounts recoverable from ratepayers | 822 | 135 | 233 |
| **Amounts deferred for future recovery related to:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cost recovery riders | 57 |  | 62 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hurricanes and February 2021 Winter Storm Event Restoration Costs | 18 | 18 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;May 2024 Storm Events | 6 | 6 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hurricane Beryl | 527 | 527 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hurricane Francine | 25 | 25 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Winter Storm Enzo | 39 | 39 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other regulatory assets | 191 | 110 | 80 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Decoupling | 8 |  | 8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TEEEF | 83 | 83 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unrecognized equity return (2) | (120) | (93) | (24) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total amounts deferred for future recovery | 834 | 715 | 126 |
| **Amounts currently recovered in customer rates related to:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorized trackers and cost deferrals | 406 | 77 | 128 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Securitized regulatory assets | 695 | 384 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unamortized loss on reacquired debt and hedging | 53 | 26 | 10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gas recovery costs | 71 |  | 70 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Decoupling | 20 |  | 20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Extraordinary gas costs | 70 |  | 70 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory assets related to TCJA | 66 | 40 | 26 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hurricanes and February 2021 Winter Storm Event restoration costs | 132 | 114 | 19 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other regulatory assets | 33 |  | 33 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefit obligations | 2 | 2 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TEEEF | 161 | 161 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unrecognized equity return (2) | (190) | (42) | (87) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total amounts recovered in customer rates (3) | 1519 | 762 | 289 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Regulatory Assets** | $3175 | $1612 | $648 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Current Regulatory Assets** | $170 | $— | $169 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Non-Current Regulatory Assets** | $3005 | $1612 | $479 |
| **Regulatory Liabilities:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory liabilities related to TCJA | $1233 | $646 | $428 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Estimated removal costs | 1047 |  | 1004 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other regulatory liabilities | 456 | 219 | 214 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Regulatory Liabilities** | $2736 | $865 | $1646 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Current Regulatory Liabilities (4)** | $44 | $15 | $30 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Non-Current Regulatory Liabilities** | $2692 | $850 | $1616 |

---

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---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| **Regulatory Assets:** | | | |
| **Future amounts recoverable from ratepayers related to:** | | | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefit obligations (1) | $373 | $— | $4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Asset retirement obligations & other | 304 | 80 | 188 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net deferred income taxes | 144 | 47 | 69 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total future amounts recoverable from ratepayers | 821 | 127 | 261 |
| **Amounts deferred for future recovery related to:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cost recovery riders | 145 |  | 83 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hurricanes and February 2021 Winter Storm Event Restoration Costs | 145 | 145 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;May 2024 Storm Events | 86 | 86 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hurricane Beryl | 458 | 458 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hurricane Francine | 19 | 19 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other regulatory assets | 177 | 87 | 74 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Decoupling | 12 |  | 12 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TEEEF | 71 | 71 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unrecognized equity return (2) | (115) | (77) | (30) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total amounts deferred for future recovery | 998 | 789 | 139 |
| **Amounts currently recovered in customer rates related to:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorized trackers and cost deferrals | 600 | 47 | 440 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Securitized regulatory assets | 343 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unamortized loss on reacquired debt and hedging | 93 | 63 | 10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gas recovery costs | 122 |  | 122 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Decoupling | 38 |  | 38 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Extraordinary gas costs | 133 |  | 133 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory assets related to TCJA | 47 | 47 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hurricanes and February 2021 Winter Storm Event Restoration Costs | 31 | 5 | 26 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other regulatory assets | 34 |  | 34 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefit obligations | 4 | 4 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TEEEF | 219 | 219 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unrecognized equity return (2) | (136) | (17) | (62) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total amounts recovered in customer rates | 1528 | 368 | 741 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Regulatory Assets** | $3347 | $1284 | $1141 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Current Regulatory Assets** | $239 | $— | $238 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Non-Current Regulatory Assets** | $3108 | $1284 | $903 |
| **Regulatory Liabilities:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory liabilities related to TCJA | $1346 | $673 | $501 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Estimated removal costs | 1247 |  | 1191 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other regulatory liabilities | 454 | 195 | 235 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Regulatory Liabilities** | $3047 | $868 | $1927 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Current Regulatory Liabilities (4)** | $48 | $7 | $40 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Non-Current Regulatory Liabilities** | $2999 | $861 | $1887 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Pension and postretirement-related regulatory assets balances are actuarially valued annually.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)Represents the following: (a) CenterPoint Energy's allowed equity return on post in-service carrying cost generally associated with investments in SIGECO; (b) Houston Electric's allowed equity return on TEEEF costs and storm restoration costs; and (c) CERC's allowed equity return on post in-service carrying cost associated with certain distribution facilities replacements expenditures in Texas and for Indiana Gas.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)Of the $1.5 billion, $762 million and $289 million currently being recovered in customer rates related to CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and CERC, respectively, $790 million, $733 million and $48 million is earning a return, respectively. The weighted average recovery period of regulatory assets currently being recovered in base rates, not earning a return, which totals $729 million, $29 million and $241 million for CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric

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and CERC, respectively, is 13 years, 24 years and 6 years, respectively. Regulatory assets not earning a return with perpetual or undeterminable lives have been excluded from the weighted average recovery period calculation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4)Current regulatory liabilities are included in Other current liabilities in each of the Registrants' respective Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The table below reflects the amount of allowed equity return recognized by each Registrant in its Statements of Consolidated Income for the periods presented:

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| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Allowed equity return recognized | $25 | $20 | $4 | $23 | $20 | $2 | $41 | $38 | $2 |

---

***February 2021 Winter Storm Event*** 

In February 2021, certain of the Registrants' jurisdictions experienced an extreme and unprecedented winter weather event that resulted in prolonged freezing temperatures, which impacted their businesses. The February 2021 Winter Storm Event impacted wholesale prices of CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas purchases and their ability to serve customers in their natural gas service territories, including due to the reduction in available natural gas capacity and impacts to CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's natural gas supply portfolio activities, and the effects of weather on their systems and their ability to transport natural gas, among other things. The overall natural gas market, including the markets from which CenterPoint Energy and CERC sourced a significant portion of their natural gas for their operations, experienced significant impacts caused by the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, resulting in extraordinary increases in the cost of natural gas purchased by CenterPoint Energy and CERC of approximately $2 billion. CenterPoint Energy and CERC have completed recovery of natural gas costs in Indiana and Texas, and continue to recover the natural gas cost in Minnesota. As of December 31, 2025, each of CenterPoint Energy and CERC had recorded a current regulatory asset of $70 million associated with the February 2021 Winter Storm Event. As of December 31, 2024, each of CenterPoint Energy and CERC had recorded current regulatory assets of $67 million and non-current regulatory assets of $67 million associated with the February 2021 Winter Storm Event.

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, as authorized by the PUCT, both CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric had each recorded a regulatory asset of $7 million and $8 million, respectively, for bad debt expenses resulting from REPs' default on their obligation to pay delivery charges to Houston Electric net of collateral. Additionally, both CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric had each recorded a regulatory asset of $17 million and $19 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, for reimbursement of costs associated with the February 2021 Winter Storm Event. Each of the aforementioned regulatory assets are being amortized over five years beginning April 28, 2025, which was the date that rates became effective following the PUCT's final order in the Houston Electric rate case.

See Note 14(c) for further information regarding litigation related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event.

***Texas Public Securitization***

The Texas Natural Gas Securitization Finance Corporation issued customer rate relief bonds in March 2023, and on March 23, 2023, CenterPoint Energy and CERC, collectively, received approximately $1.1 billion in cash proceeds from the issuance and sale of the state's customer rate relief bonds. As CenterPoint Energy and CERC have no future financial obligations for the repayment of the state's customer rate relief bonds, the customer rate relief bonds are not recorded on CenterPoint Energy's or CERC's balance sheets. The $1.1 billion in cash proceeds from the state's customer rate relief bonds is considered to be a government grant. The state's customer rate relief bonds are backed in part by customer rate relief property, including customer rate relief charges, which are non-bypassable uniform monthly volumetric charges to be paid by all existing and future sales customers as a component of each regulated utility's gas cost, separate from their base rate. CERC only acts as a collection agent, whose duties include management, servicing and administration of a portion of the customer rate relief property which is associated with the customer rate relief charge imposed on customers of CERC under the guidance and direction from the Railroad Commission. The Texas Natural Gas Securitization Finance Corporation, and not CenterPoint Energy or CERC, is the owner of the customer rate relief property. The assets of the Texas Natural Gas Securitization Finance Corporation are not available to pay creditors of CenterPoint Energy, CERC, or their affiliates. While the customer rate relief charges will be included by CERC in their monthly billings, the billing amount is established by the Railroad Commission. CERC will remit all

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customer rate relief charges collected to the financing entity set up by the Railroad Commission. Therefore, the collection and servicing of customer rate relief charges have no impact on the respective Statements of Consolidated Income of CenterPoint Energy or CERC.

As U.S. GAAP has no specific accounting guidance for government grants or assistance, the cash proceeds from the state's customer rate relief bonds were accounted for as a government grant by analogy to the grant model under IAS 20—Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosures of Government Assistance. CenterPoint Energy and CERC reflect the proceeds from the grant as a deduction to natural gas costs and recognized the $1.1 billion of cash proceeds from the state's customer rate relief bonds within Utility natural gas expense on their respective Statements of Consolidated Income in the year ended December 31, 2023, net of the recognition of natural gas cost related to relieving CenterPoint Energy and CERC's regulatory assets related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event in the same period.

***Indiana Electric Securitization of Generation Retirements (CenterPoint Energy)***

On January 4, 2023, the IURC issued an order in accordance with Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 386 authorizing the issuance of up to $350 million in securitization bonds to securitize qualified costs associated with the retirements of Indiana Electric's A.B. Brown coal-fired generation facilities. Accordingly, CenterPoint Energy determined that the retirement of property, plant and equipment became probable upon the issuance of the order. No loss on abandonment was recognized in connection with issuance of the order as there was no disallowance of all or part of the cost of the abandoned property, plant and equipment. In the first quarter of 2023, upon receipt of the order, CenterPoint Energy reclassified property, plant and equipment to be recovered through securitization to a regulatory asset and such amounts earned a full return until subsequently recovered through securitization, as described below.

The SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary issued $341 million aggregate principal amount of the SIGECO Securitization Bonds on June 29, 2023 and used a portion of the net proceeds from the issuance of the SIGECO Securitization Bonds to purchase the securitization property from SIGECO. No gain or loss was recognized.

The SIGECO Securitization Bonds are secured by the securitization property, which includes the right to recover, through non-bypassable securitization charges payable by SIGECO's retail electric customers, the qualified costs of SIGECO authorized by the IURC order. The SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary, and not SIGECO, is the owner of the securitization property, and the assets of the SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary are not available to pay the creditors of SIGECO or its affiliates, other than the SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary. SIGECO has no payment obligations with respect to the SIGECO Securitization Bonds except to remit collections of securitization charges as set forth in a servicing agreement between SIGECO and the SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary. The non-bypassable securitization charges are subject to a true-up mechanism.

***TEEEF (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric)***

Pursuant to Texas legislation passed in 2021, Houston Electric entered into two leases for medium (5.7 MW) and large (27 MW to 32 MW) TEEEF. Houston Electric defers costs associated with the short-term and long-term leases that are probable of recovery and would otherwise be charged to expense in a regulatory asset, including allowed debt returns, and determined that such regulatory assets remain probable of recovery as of December 31, 2025. Expenses associated with the short-term lease, including carrying costs, were deferred in a regulatory asset as a recoverable cost under the 2021 Texas legislation and totaled $78 million and $89 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Expenses associated with the long-term lease, including variable costs associated with the operation and maintenance of the TEEEF, depreciation expense on the right of use asset and carrying costs, are deferred in a regulatory asset as a recoverable cost under the 2021 Texas legislation and totaled $123 million and $158 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Right of use finance lease assets, such as assets acquired under the long-term leases that are still included in the rate base of the regulated utility, are evaluated for impairment under the long-lived asset impairment model by assessing if a capital disallowance from a regulator is probable through monitoring the outcome of rate cases and other proceedings. Houston Electric continues to monitor the ongoing proceedings and did not record any impairments or disallowances on its right of use assets or TEEEF regulatory assets during the years ended December 31, 2025 or 2024.

Effective January 1, 2023, all medium and large TEEEF was leased under the long-term lease agreement. The long-term lease agreement includes up to 519 MW of TEEEF, all of which was delivered as of December 31, 2022, triggering lease commencement at delivery, with an initial term ending in 2029 for all such TEEEF leases. The remaining finance lease liability associated with the commenced long-term TEEEF agreement was not significant as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 and relates

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to removal costs that will be incurred at the end of the lease term. As of December 31, 2025, Houston Electric had secured a first lien on all the assets leased under the prepayment agreement.

On December 19, 2024, Houston Electric announced a proposal to release its 15 large TEEEF units to ERCOT at CPS Energy facilities to serve the greater San Antonio region for a period of up to two years. On April 18, 2025, a proposal was filed with the PUCT (Docket 57980) seeking approval of the aforementioned release to ERCOT and CPS Energy, a corresponding reduction to TEEEF fleet capacity and a rate reduction to reflect the removal of the 15 large TEEEF units from Houston Electric's TEEEF fleet. On June 4, 2025, Houston Electric entered into the ERCOT Transaction, subject to PUCT approval in Docket 57980, to release the 15 large TEEEF units to the San Antonio area until March 2027 unless terminated earlier pursuant to the provisions of the ERCOT Transaction, during which time Houston Electric will not receive revenue or profit from ERCOT and will not charge Houston-area customers for such TEEEF units while they remain in the San Antonio area serving ERCOT. Following the completion of service in the San Antonio area, Houston Electric anticipates that it would complete one or more future transactions involving the large TEEEF units; because the TEEEF units would not be available to serve customers during such time, Houston Electric plans to continue to not charge customers for these units for any future periods. On June 5, 2025, certain intervenors submitted a joint request for hearing. On July 9, 2025, the PUCT referred this docket to the SOAH. On October 13, 2025, intervenor testimony was filed. On November 21, 2025 Houston Electric filed supplemental testimony proposing removal of its five medium TEEEF units from its fleet and rates. On February 13, 2026, Houston Electric requested continued abatement until February 27, 2026 due to continued settlement discussions. Following removal of the 15 large TEEEF units from customer rates, such TEEEF units are subject to impairment testing under ASC 360.

On September 11, 2024, the TCA filed a complaint with the PUCT requesting that the PUCT modify its rulings with respect to its prior decisions related to Houston Electric's TEEEF filings made in 2022 and 2023. Specifically, the TCA requested that the PUCT end cost recovery and return on investment on all the large up to 32 MW and medium 5.7 MW TEEEF units approved in Docket 53442. On June 29, 2025, Order No. 9 was issued, to abate this complaint case until a final order is issued in Docket 57980.

Pursuant to Texas legislation passed in 2023, Houston Electric has entered into contractual arrangements to facilitate access to small (200 kW to 1,250 kW) TEEEF units. In January, 2025, the PUCT adopted the TEEEF Rule, which refined the scope of TEEEF filings that can be made pursuant to applicable Texas regulations, and in February 2026, the TEEEF Rule was amended pursuant to Texas Senate Bill 231 to, among other things, prohibit TDUs from entering into, renewing or extending leases for TEEEF units unless such units have a maximum generation capacity of 5 or fewer MW and are rapidly deployable. The TEEEF Rule has specific provisions relating to when and how utilities must request PUCT authorization to lease TEEEF units, and it generally requires a utility to obtain preapproval prior to renewing or entering into a new lease of TEEEF units, with exceptions for emergency situations or if the lease includes a provision allowing for the alteration of the lease based on applicable PUCT orders or rules. Houston Electric believes that it continues to need small TEEEF units, and on May 27, 2025, Houston Electric filed an application pursuant to the TEEEF Rule requesting preapproval to enter into two leases for a combined approximately 20 MW of TEEEF capacity comprised of 36 small TEEEF units, each with a capacity range of 200 kW to 1,250 kW, for respective terms of 36 months. Approval of Houston Electric's request in this filing will have no cost impact on customers at this time because cost determination will occur in a future proceeding. On October 13, 2025, Houston Electric filed errata and supplemental testimony to modify its application to instead request preapproval of just one lease for all 36 small TEEEF units. On December 3, 2025, Houston Electric filed a stipulation and settlement agreement. On January 6, 2026, Houston Electric provided the PUCT a proposed order. These proceedings remain ongoing and, until PUCT preapproval is received, Houston Electric plans to maintain the current contractual arrangement providing access to the small TEEEF units on a month-to-month basis.

***May 2024 Storm Events***

Houston Electric's electric delivery system suffered significant damage as a result of the May 2024 Storm Events. As is common with electric utilities serving coastal regions, the poles, towers, wires, street lights and pole-mounted equipment that comprise Houston Electric's transmission and distribution system are not covered by property insurance.

On November 8, 2024, Houston Electric filed an Application for Determination of System Restoration Costs with the PUCT to determine the reasonableness and necessity of approximately $502 million of costs (including estimated case processing expenses and carrying costs) incurred or expected to be incurred to restore service following the May 2024 Storm Events. On March 19, 2025, Houston Electric filed a settlement agreement with the PUCT, under which Houston Electric would be entitled to recover a total of $396 million in distribution-related costs relating to the May 2024 Storm Events, along with carrying costs from the date those costs were incurred until system restoration bonds are issued. The settlement agreement also provided for the recovery of $29 million in transmission-related costs related to the May 2024 Storm Events that will be

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eligible for recovery through existing mechanisms established to recover transmission costs. Houston Electric agreed to defer $17.5 million of its distribution-related costs to the Hurricane Beryl cost determination proceeding and further agreed to an overall $10 million reduction in costs as part of the settlement agreement. A final order approving the settlement agreement was issued by the PUCT on April 24, 2025. On January 24, 2025, Houston Electric filed a request for a Financing Order for the distribution costs included in the November 8, 2024 Application for Determination of System Restoration Costs. On April 23, 2025, Houston Electric filed a settlement agreement with the PUCT, under which Houston Electric would be entitled to securitize the approved distribution-related costs. A final order approving the settlement agreement was issued by the PUCT on June 5, 2025. The PUCT issued an irrevocable Financing Order on June 5, 2025, which became final and non-appealable on June 20, 2025.

In connection with the securitization of the system restoration costs incurred in connection with the May 2024 Storm Events, on June 20, 2025, Houston Electric and Restoration Bond Company II filed a registration statement, as amended on August 13, 2025 and as further amended on August 27, 2025, on Form SF-1 under the Securities Act with the SEC registering the public offering and sale of up to approximately $401.5 million aggregate principal amount of the Restoration Bond Company II Securitization Bonds. The registration statement became effective on September 8, 2025. See Note 12 for additional detail on the issuance of the Restoration Bond Company II Securitization Bonds.

***Hurricane Beryl and Subsequent Storm Events***

In 2024 and early 2025, Houston Electric's service territory was damaged as a result of Hurricane Beryl and certain other significant storms. Houston Electric is deferring the related system restoration costs as management believes it is probable that such costs will be recovered through the regulatory process. Houston Electric is seeking to recover the system restoration costs (or a portion thereof) through the issuance and sale of non-recourse securitization bonds for distribution-related costs. However, there can be no assurance that the system restoration costs will be recovered in the amounts expected or on the expected timeline.

On May 2, 2025, Houston Electric filed an Application for Determination of System Restoration Costs with the PUCT to determine the reasonableness and necessity of approximately $1.3 billion of costs (including estimated case processing expenses and carrying costs) incurred or expected to be incurred to restore service following Hurricane Beryl and certain other significant storms. Intervenors and PUCT staff subsequently filed direct testimony, and intervenor and PUCT staff disallowance positions totaled about $298.8 million and $4.7 million, respectively. Houston Electric subsequently filed rebuttal testimony. On August 14, 2025, Houston Electric filed a settlement agreement with the PUCT, under which Houston Electric would be entitled to recover a total of $1.1 billion in distribution-related costs, along with carrying costs from the date those costs were incurred until the system restoration bonds are issued. The settlement agreement also provided for the recovery of $13 million in transmission-related costs that will be eligible for recovery through existing mechanisms established to recover transmission costs. Additionally, the settlement agreement provided that Houston Electric would defer $78 million of its distribution-related costs to a regulatory asset and could request recovery and, if eligible, securitization of the deferral in a future rate case. Houston Electric further agreed as part of the settlement agreement to an overall $22 million reduction in distribution-related costs, which is comprised of shareholder equity carrying costs, and a $440,000 reduction in transmission-related costs, which is also comprised of shareholder equity carrying costs. On October 2, 2025, the PUCT voted to approve the settlement agreement with a modification to remove municipal legal fees and consulting and non-consulting fees from the securitization amount and defer such costs in a regulatory asset for recovery in a future ratemaking proceeding. On October 22, 2025, Houston Electric filed a letter to affirm the removal of $2.9 million of municipal legal fees and consulting and non-consulting fees from the securitization amount and defer these costs until a future ratemaking proceeding. A final order was issued by the PUCT on October 23, 2025.

On June 20, 2025, Houston Electric filed a request for a Financing Order for the distribution-related costs included in the May 2, 2025 Application for Determination of System Restoration Costs. On August 19, 2025, Houston Electric filed a settlement agreement with the PUCT, under which Houston Electric would be entitled to securitize the approved distribution-related costs. The settlement agreement also reduced the requested upfront qualified costs for printing materials by $25,000 and legal expenses by $125,000. The PUCT issued an irrevocable Financing Order on October 23, 2025, which became final and non-appealable on November 7, 2025. In connection with the securitization of the system restoration costs approved in the Financing Order, Houston Electric and Restoration Bond Company III filed a registration statement, as amended on January 27, 2026, on Form SF-1 under the Securities Act with the SEC registering the public offering and sale of up to approximately $1.193 billion aggregate principal amount of Series 2026-A Senior Secured System Restoration Bonds. The registration statement became effective on January 30, 2026. Houston Electric anticipates receiving the net proceeds from the sale of the Series 2026-A Senior Secured System Restoration Bonds on February 26, 2026. See Note 20 for additional detail on the offering of the Series 2026-A Senior Secured System Restoration Bonds.

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See Note 14(c) for further information regarding litigation related to Hurricane Beryl.

**(8) Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(a) Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans (CenterPoint Energy)***

CenterPoint Energy has LTIPs that provide for the issuance of stock-based incentives, including stock options, performance awards, restricted stock unit awards and restricted and unrestricted stock awards to officers, employees and non-employee directors. Approximately 34 million shares of Common Stock are authorized under these plans for awards as of December 31, 2025. CenterPoint Energy issues new shares of its Common Stock to satisfy stock-based payments related to LTIPs. Equity awards are granted to employees without cost to the participants.

Compensation costs for the performance awards and stock unit awards granted under LTIPs are measured using fair value and expected achievement levels on the grant date. For performance awards with operational goals, the achievement levels are revised as goals are evaluated. The fair value of awards granted to employees is based on the closing stock price of CenterPoint Energy's Common Stock on the grant date. The compensation expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Forfeitures are estimated on the date of grant based on historical averages and estimates are updated periodically throughout the vesting period.

The performance awards granted in 2025, 2024 and 2023 are distributed based upon the achievement of certain performance conditions or market conditions over a three-year performance cycle. The performance conditions are based on CenterPoint Energy's cumulative adjusted EPS and, for performance awards granted in 2024 and 2023, certain carbon emissions reduction goals. The market condition is based on CenterPoint Energy's total shareholder return relative to a specified peer group. Upon vesting, shares under the performance awards, as determined based on achievement of the applicable performance goals, are issued to the participants along with the value of dividend equivalents earned over the performance cycle.

The stock unit awards granted in 2025, 2024 and 2023 are service-based and subject to CenterPoint Energy's achievement of positive operating income for the last full calendar year preceding the applicable vesting date. Stock units awards granted in 2025 and 2024 vest under a three-year ratable vesting schedule, with one-third vesting as of each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. Stock unit awards granted in 2023 cliff vest at the end of a three-year period. Each vesting under either the three-year ratable or cliff vesting schedule is subject to the achievement of the performance goal. Upon vesting, shares under the stock unit awards are issued to the participants along with the value of dividend equivalents earned over the applicable vesting period. Non-employee directors are granted stock awards that are vested immediately upon grant.

The following table summarizes CenterPoint Energy's expenses related to LTIPs for the periods presented:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| LTIP compensation expense (1) | $48 | $34 | $65 |
| Income tax benefit recognized | 11 | 8 | 15 |
| Actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions | 13 | 19 | 17 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Included in Operation and maintenance expense in CenterPoint Energy's Statements of Consolidated Income, net of any amounts capitalized.

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The following tables summarize CenterPoint Energy's LTIP activity for the year ended December 31, 2025:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares<br>(Thousands)** | **Weighted-Average<br>Grant Date<br>Fair Value** | **Remaining Average<br>Contractual<br>Life (Years)** | **Aggregate<br>Intrinsic<br>Value (2) (Millions)** |
| **<u>Performance Awards</u> (1)** | | | | |
| Outstanding and nonvested as of December 31, 2024 | 4908 | $28.14 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Granted | 1605 | 33.13 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Forfeited or canceled | (380) | 29.83 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vested and released to participants | (1512) | 26.91 |  |  |
| Outstanding and nonvested as of December 31, 2025 | 4621 | $30.06 | 1 | $139 |
| **<u>Stock Unit Awards</u>** |  |  |  |  |
| Outstanding and nonvested as of December 31, 2024 | 1117 | $28.20 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Granted | 724 | 35.40 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Forfeited or canceled | (70) | 30.30 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vested and released to participants | (551) | 28.83 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Outstanding and nonvested as of December 31, 2025 | 1220 | $32.25 | 0.3 | $47 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Reflects maximum performance achievement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)Reflects the impact of current expectations of achievement and stock price as of December 31, 2025.

Additional information related to the Performance Awards and Stock Unit Awards was as follows for the periods presented:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions, except for per unit amounts)** | **(in millions, except for per unit amounts)** | **(in millions, except for per unit amounts)** |
| **<u>Performance Awards</u>** |  |  |  |
| Weighted-average grant date fair value per unit of awards granted | $33.13 | $27.92 | $29.18 |
| Total intrinsic value of awards received by participants | 38 | 51 | 47 |
| Vested grant date fair value | 30 | 40 | 37 |
| **<u>Stock Unit Awards</u>** |  |  |  |
| Weighted-average grant date fair value per unit of awards granted | $35.40 | $28.25 | $30.83 |
| Total intrinsic value of awards received by participants | 19 | 33 | 28 |
| Vested grant date fair value | 16 | 30 | 23 |

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As of December 31, 2025, there was $53 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested performance and stock unit awards which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(b) Pension Benefits (CenterPoint Energy)***

CenterPoint Energy maintains a non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain eligible employees, which is closed to new participants. CenterPoint Energy also maintains three additional qualified defined benefit pension plans, two of which are closed to new participants and one of which is frozen, that cover certain eligible employees and retirees of Vectren and its subsidiaries and former subsidiaries and are primarily non-contributory. In addition to the qualified defined benefit pension plans, CenterPoint Energy maintains unfunded non-qualified benefit restoration plans which allow participants to receive the benefits to which they would have been entitled under CenterPoint Energy's qualified pension plan except for federally mandated limits on qualified plan benefits or on the level of compensation on which qualified plan benefits may be calculated. CenterPoint Energy also maintains a frozen non-qualified supplemental retirement plan covering certain former executives of Vectren.

------

CenterPoint Energy's net periodic cost includes the following components relating to pension plans, including the non-qualified benefit plans, for the periods presented:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Service cost (1) | $23 | $25 | $25 |
| Interest cost (2) | 79 | 73 | 76 |
| Expected return on plan assets (2) | (80) | (75) | (76) |
| Amortization of net loss (2) | 27 | 28 | 28 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net periodic cost | $49 | $51 | $53 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Included in Operation and maintenance expense in CenterPoint Energy's Statements of Consolidated Income, net of amounts capitalized and regulatory deferrals.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)Included in Other income (expense), net in CenterPoint Energy's Statements of Consolidated Income, net of regulatory deferrals.

CenterPoint Energy used the following assumptions to determine net periodic cost relating to pension benefits for the periods presented:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Discount rate | 5.60% | 4.95% | 5.15% |
| Expected return on plan assets | 7.00 | 6.50 | 6.50 |
| Rate of increase in compensation levels | 4.79 | 4.97 | 4.99 |

---

In determining net periodic benefit cost, CenterPoint Energy uses fair value, as of the beginning of the year, as its basis for determining expected return on plan assets except for two of Vectren's qualified defined benefit pension plans which use a market related value of assets.

------

The measurement dates for plan assets and benefit obligations were December 31, 2025 and 2024. The following table summarizes changes in the benefit obligation, changes in plan assets, the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as well as the key actuarial assumptions of CenterPoint Energy's pension plans for the periods presented:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **(in millions, except for actuarial assumptions)** | **(in millions, except for actuarial assumptions)** |
| **Change in Benefit Obligation** | | |
| Benefit obligation, beginning of year | $1477 | $1548 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Service cost | 23 | 25 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest cost | 79 | 73 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefits paid | (167) | (127) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Actuarial (gain) loss (1) | 74 | (42) |
| Benefit obligation, end of year | 1486 | 1477 |
| **Change in Plan Assets** |  |  |
| Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year | 1132 | 1204 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Employer contributions | 117 | 30 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefits paid | (167) | (127) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Actual investment return | 132 | 25 |
| Fair value of plan assets, end of year | 1214 | 1132 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Funded status, end of year** | $(272) | $(345) |
| **Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheets** |  |  |
| Other non-current assets | $9 | $7 |
| Other current liabilities | (6) | (7) |
| Benefit obligations | (275) | (345) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net liability, end of year | $(272) | $(345) |
| **Actuarial Assumptions** |  |  |
| Discount rate (2) | 5.35% | 5.60% |
| Expected return on plan assets (3) | 7.00 | 7.00 |
| Rate of increase in compensation levels | 4.66 | 4.79 |
| Interest crediting rate | 3.75 | 3.00 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Significant sources of actuarial loss for 2025 include the decrease in discount rate from 5.60% to 5.35%, partially offset by gains due to actual return on plan assets exceeding expected return on plan assets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)The discount rate assumption was determined by matching the projected cash flows of CenterPoint Energy's plans against a hypothetical yield curve of high-quality corporate bonds represented by a series of annualized individual discount rates from one-half to 99 years.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)The expected rate of return assumption was developed using the targeted asset allocation of CenterPoint Energy's plans and the expected return for each asset class.

The following table displays pension benefits related to CenterPoint Energy's pension plans that have accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets for the periods presented:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **Pension<br>(Qualified)** | **Pension<br>(Non-qualified)** | **Pension<br>(Qualified)** | **Pension<br>(Non-qualified)** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Accumulated benefit obligation | $1443 | $41 | $1431 | $44 |
| Projected benefit obligation | 1445 | 41 | 1433 | 44 |
| Fair value of plan assets | 1214 |  | 1132 |  |

---

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans on CenterPoint Energy's Consolidated Balance Sheets was $1,484 million and $1,475 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(c) Postretirement Benefits***

CenterPoint Energy provides certain healthcare and life insurance benefits for certain eligible retired employees on both a contributory and non-contributory basis. CenterPoint Energy, through Vectren, also maintains a postretirement benefit plan that provides health care and life insurance benefits, which are a combination of self-insured and fully insured programs, to eligible Vectren retirees of Vectren and its subsidiaries and former subsidiaries on both a contributory and non-contributory basis.

Postretirement benefits are accrued over the active service period of employees. The net postretirement benefit cost includes the following components for the periods presented:

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Service cost (1) | $1 | $— | $— | $1 | $— | $1 | $1 | $— | $1 |
| Interest cost (2) | 13 | 6 | 5 | 13 | 5 | 4 | 13 | 5 | 5 |
| Expected return on plan assets (2) | (6) | (4) | (1) | (6) | (4) | (1) | (5) | (4) | (1) |
| Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (2) | (2) | (5) | 2 | (2) | (5) | 2 | (2) | (5) | 2 |
| Amortization of net gain (2) | (10) | (5) | (3) | (8) | (4) | (3) | (8) | (4) | (3) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net postretirement benefit cost (credit) | $(4) | $(8) | $3 | $(2) | $(8) | $3 | $(1) | $(8) | $4 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Included in Operation and maintenance expense in each of the Registrants' respective Statements of Consolidated Income, net of amounts capitalized and regulatory deferrals.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)Included in Other income (expense), net in each of the Registrants' respective Statements of Consolidated Income, net of regulatory deferrals.

The following assumptions were used to determine net periodic cost relating to postretirement benefits for the periods presented:

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| Discount rate | 5.60% | 5.60% | 5.60% | 4.95% | 4.95% | 4.95% | 5.15% | 5.15% | 5.15% |
| Expected return on plan assets | 5.78% | 5.93% | 5.35% | 5.21 | 5.36 | 4.77 | 5.13 | 5.26 | 4.69 |

---

------

The measurement dates for plan assets and benefit obligations were December 31, 2025 and 2024. The following table summarizes changes in the benefit obligation, changes in plan assets, the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the key actuarial assumptions of the postretirement plans for the periods presented:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions, except for actuarial assumptions)** | **(in millions, except for actuarial assumptions)** | **(in millions, except for actuarial assumptions)** | **(in millions, except for actuarial assumptions)** | **(in millions, except for actuarial assumptions)** | **(in millions, except for actuarial assumptions)** |
| **Change in Benefit Obligation** | | | | | | |
| Benefit obligation, beginning of year | $242 | $104 | $85 | $263 | $113 | $93 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Service cost | 1 |  |  | 1 |  | 1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest cost | 13 | 6 | 5 | 13 | 5 | 4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Participant contributions | 5 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefits paid | (26) | (10) | (11) | (21) | (8) | (9) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Plan amendment | (2) |  | (2) |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Actuarial (gain) loss (1) | 25 | 11 | 9 | (22) | (9) | (8) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other transfers |  |  |  | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Benefit obligation, end of year | 258 | 113 | 88 | 242 | 104 | 85 |
| **Change in Plan Assets** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year | 103 | 77 | 26 | 112 | 86 | 26 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Employer contributions | 13 | 1 | 7 | 9 | 1 | 5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Participant contributions | 5 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefits paid | (26) | (10) | (11) | (21) | (8) | (9) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Actual investment return | 11 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other transfers |  |  |  | (8) | (8) |  |
| Fair value of plan assets, end of year | 106 | 78 | 26 | 103 | 77 | 26 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Funded status, end of year** | $(152) | $(35) | $(62) | $(139) | $(27) | $(59) |
| **Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheets** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Other current liabilities | $(8) | $— | $(5) | $(8) | $— | $(4) |
| Benefit obligations | (144) | (35) | (56) | (131) | (27) | (55) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net liability, end of year | $(152) | $(35) | $(61) | $(139) | $(27) | $(59) |
| **Actuarial Assumptions** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Discount rate (2) | 5.35% | 5.35% | 5.35% | 5.60% | 5.60% | 5.60% |
| Expected return on plan assets (3) | 5.78 | 5.93 | 5.35 | 5.21 | 5.36 | 4.77 |
| Medical cost trend rate assumed for the next year - Pre-65 | 7.00 | 7.00 | 7.00 | 6.75 | 6.75 | 6.75 |
| Medical/prescription drug cost trend rate assumed for the next year - Post-65 | 8.36 | 8.36 | 8.36 | 13.74 | 13.74 | 13.74 |
| Prescription drug cost trend rate assumed for the next year - Pre-65 | 12.00 | 12.00 | 12.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 |
| Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) | 4.50 | 4.50 | 4.50 | 4.50 | 4.50 | 4.50 |
| Year that the cost trend rates reach the ultimate trend rate - Pre-65 | 2035 | 2035 | 2035 | 2034 | 2034 | 2034 |
| Year that the cost trend rates reach the ultimate trend rate - Post-65 | 2035 | 2035 | 2035 | 2034 | 2034 | 2034 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Significant sources of actuarial loss for 2025 include the decrease in discount rate from 5.60% to 5.35%, updated claims and demographic review.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)The discount rate assumption was determined by matching the projected cash flows of the plans against a hypothetical yield curve of high-quality corporate bonds represented by a series of annualized individual discount rates from one-half to 99 years.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)The expected rate of return assumption was developed using the targeted asset allocation of the plans and the expected return for each asset class.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(d) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)***

CenterPoint Energy recognizes the funded status of its pension and other postretirement plans on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. To the extent this obligation exceeds amounts previously recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Income, CenterPoint Energy records a regulatory asset for that portion related to its rate-regulated utilities. To the extent that excess liability does not relate to a rate-regulated utility, the offset is recorded as a reduction to equity in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) consist of the following for the periods presented:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **Pension<br>Benefits** | **Postretirement<br>Benefits** | **Postretirement<br>Benefits** | **Pension<br>Benefits** | **Postretirement<br>Benefits** | **Postretirement<br>Benefits** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain) | $53 | $(29) | $(24) | $52 | $(34) | $(26) |
| Unrecognized prior service cost |  | 7 | 6 |  | 9 | 8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) | $53 | $(22) | $(18) | $52 | $(25) | $(18) |

---

The changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2025 are as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Pension<br>Benefits** | **Postretirement<br>Benefits** | **Postretirement<br>Benefits** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Net actuarial loss (gain) | $2 | $4 | $(2) |
| Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) | (1) | (3) | (2) |
| Amortization of prior service cost |  | 1 | 1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total recognized in comprehensive income | $1 | $2 | $(3) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total recognized in net periodic costs and other comprehensive income | $50 | $4 | $4 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(e) Pension Plan Assets (CenterPoint Energy)***

In managing the investments associated with the benefit plans, CenterPoint Energy's objective is to achieve and maintain a fully funded plan. This objective is expected to be achieved through an investment strategy that manages liquidity requirements while maintaining a long-term horizon in making investment decisions and efficient and effective management of plan assets.

As part of the investment strategy discussed above, CenterPoint Energy maintained the following weighted-average allocation targets for its pension plans as of December 31, 2025:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Minimum** | **Maximum** |
| U.S. equity | 24% | 34% |
| International equity | 12% | 22% |
| Real estate | 2% | 8% |
| Fixed income | 44% | 54% |
| Cash | 0% | 2% |

---

------

The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy (as described in Note 9), CenterPoint Energy's pension plan assets at fair value as of the dates presented:

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **Level 1** | **Level 2** | **Level 3** | **Total** | **Level 1** | **Level 2** | **Level 3** | **Total** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Cash | $17 | $— | $— | $17 | $36 | $— | $— | $36 |
| Equity securities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;U.S. companies | 42 |  |  | 42 | 28 |  |  | 28 |
| Cash received as collateral from securities lending | 86 |  |  | 86 | 88 |  |  | 88 |
| Obligation to return cash received as collateral from securities lending | (86) |  |  | (86) | (88) |  |  | (88) |
| U.S. treasuries and government agencies | 215 |  |  | 215 | 156 |  |  | 156 |
| Corporate bonds: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Investment grade or above |  | 348 |  | 348 |  | 428 |  | 428 |
| Mortgage-backed securities |  | 2 |  | 2 |  | 12 |  | 12 |
| Asset-backed securities | **—** | 1 | **—** | 1 | **—** | **1** | **—** | 1 |
| Municipal bonds |  | 17 |  | 17 |  | 19 |  | 19 |
| International government bonds |  | 10 |  | 10 |  | 13 |  | 13 |
| Financial instruments |  |  |  |  |  | (3) |  | (3) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total investments at fair value | $274 | $378 | $— | 652 | $220 | $470 | $— | 690 |
| Investments measured by net asset value per share or its equivalent (1) (2) |  |  |  | 562 |  |  |  | 442 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fair value of plan assets |  |  |  | $1214 |  |  |  | $1132 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Represents investments in pooled investment funds and common collective trust funds.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)The amounts invested in pooled investment funds were 100% allocated to real estate. The amounts invested common collective trust funds were allocated as follows for the periods presented:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** |
| International equities | 41% | 38% |
| U.S. equities | 59% | 61% |
| Fixed income | —% | 1% |

---

Level 2 investments, which do not have a quoted price in active market, are valued using the market data provided by independent pricing services or major market makers, to arrive at a price a dealer would pay for the security.

The pension plans utilized both exchange traded and over-the-counter financial instruments such as futures, interest rate options and swaps that were marked to market daily with the gains or losses settled in the cash accounts. The pension plans did not include any holdings of CenterPoint Energy Common Stock as of December 31, 2025 or 2024.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(f) Postretirement Plan Assets***

In managing the investments associated with the postretirement plans, the Registrants' primary objective is to preserve and improve the funded status of the plan, while minimizing volatility. This objective is expected to be achieved through an investment strategy that manages liquidity requirements while maintaining a long-term horizon in making investment decisions and efficient and effective management of plan assets.

As part of the investment strategy discussed above, the Registrants maintained the following weighted-average allocation targets for the postretirement plans as of December 31, 2025:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CERC** |
| | **Minimum** | **Maximum** | **Minimum** | **Maximum** | **Minimum** | **Maximum** |
| U.S. equities | 14% | 24% | 13% | 23% | 15% | 25% |
| International equities | 3% | 13% | 3% | 13% | 2% | 12% |
| Fixed income | 68% | 78% | 69% | 79% | 68% | 78% |
| Cash | 0% | 2% | 0% | 2% | 0% | 2% |

---

------

The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy (as described in Note 9), the Registrants' postretirement plan assets, all of which were mutual funds, at fair value as of the dates presented:

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **Level 1** | **Level 2** | **Level 3** | **Total** | **Level 1** | **Level 2** | **Level 3** | **Total** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| CenterPoint Energy | $106 | $— | $— | $106 | $103 | $— | $— | $103 |
| Houston Electric | 78 |  |  | 78 | 77 |  |  | 77 |
| CERC | 26 |  |  | 26 | 26 |  |  | 26 |

---

The amounts invested in mutual funds were allocated as follows as of the dates presented:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| U.S. equities | 20% | 19% | 22% | 19% | 18% | 21% |
| International equities | 9% | 9% | 8% | 7% | 8% | 7% |
| Fixed income | 71% | 72% | 70% | 74% | 74% | 72% |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(g) Benefit Plan Contributions***

The Registrants made the following contributions in 2025 and are required to make the following minimum contributions in 2026 to the indicated benefit plans below:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Contributions in 2025** | **Contributions in 2025** | **Contributions in 2025** | **Expected Minimum Contributions in 2026** | **Expected Minimum Contributions in 2026** | **Expected Minimum Contributions in 2026** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Qualified pension plans | $110 | $— | $— | $71 | $— | $— |
| Non-qualified pension plans | 7 |  |  | 6 |  |  |
| Postretirement benefit plans | 13 | 1 | 7 | 9 |  | 5 |

---

Benefit payments are expected to be paid by the pension and postretirement benefit plans as follows for the periods presented:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Pension Benefits** | **Postretirement Benefits** | **Postretirement Benefits** | **Postretirement Benefits** |
| | **CenterPoint <br>Energy** | **CenterPoint <br>Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| 2026 | $140 | $19 | $8 | $7 |
| 2027 | 145 | 20 | 9 | 7 |
| 2028 | 138 | 20 | 9 | 7 |
| 2029 | 133 | 21 | 10 | 7 |
| 2030 | 131 | 22 | 10 | 7 |
| 2031-2035 | 596 | 104 | 48 | 34 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(h) Savings Plan***

CenterPoint Energy maintains the CenterPoint Energy Savings Plan, a tax-qualified employee savings plan that includes a cash or deferred arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Code and an employee stock ownership plan under Section 4975(e)(7) of the Code. Under the plan, participating employees may make pre-tax or Roth contributions and after-tax contributions up to certain federally mandated limits. Participating Registrants provide matching contributions and, as of January 1, 2020, for certain eligible employees, non-elective contributions up to certain limits.

The CenterPoint Energy Savings Plan has significant holdings of Common Stock. As of December 31, 2025, 6,443,228 shares of Common Stock were held by the savings plan, which represented approximately 6% of its investments. Given the concentration of the investments in Common Stock, the savings plan and its participants have market risk related to this

------

investment. The savings plan limits the percentage of future contributions that can be invested in Common Stock to 25% and prohibits transfers of account balances where the transfer would result in more than 25% of a participant's total account balance invested in Common Stock.

CenterPoint Energy allocates the savings plan benefit expense to Houston Electric and CERC related to their respective employees. The following table summarizes the Registrants' savings plan benefit expense for the periods presented:

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| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | |
| Savings plan benefit expenses (1) | $75 | $29 | $22 | $72 | $27 | $23 | $67 | $23 | $20 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Amounts presented in the table above are included in Operation and maintenance expense in the Registrants' respective Statements of Consolidated Income and shown prior to any amounts capitalized.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(i) Other Benefits Plans***

CenterPoint Energy maintains non-qualified deferred compensation plans that provide benefits payable to eligible directors, officers and select employees or their designated beneficiaries at specified future dates or upon termination, retirement or death. Benefit payments are made from the general assets of the participating Registrants or, in the case of certain plans, from a rabbi trust that is a grantor trust and remains subject to the claims of general creditors under applicable state and federal law. Amounts related to other benefit plans were included in Benefit Obligations in the Registrants' accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows for the periods presented:

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Deferred compensation plans | $17 | $2 | $1 | $22 | $3 | $1 |
| Split-dollar life insurance arrangements | 48 | 1 |  | 46 | 1 |  |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(j) Change in Control Agreements and Other Employee Matters***

CenterPoint Energy maintains a change in control plan for the benefit of certain CenterPoint Energy officers. The plan generally provides, to the extent applicable, in the case of the occurrence of both a change in control of CenterPoint Energy and a covered termination of employment, for severance benefits of one to three times the sum of annual base salary and target annual bonus and other benefits.

As of December 31, 2025, the Registrants' employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements as follows:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | | **Percentage of Employees Covered** | **Percentage of Employees Covered** | **Percentage of Employees Covered** |
| | **Agreement Expiration** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| IBEW Local 66 | May 2026 | 19% | 54% | —% |
| OPEIU Local 12 | December 2025 | 2% | —% | 3% |
| Gas Workers Union Local 340 | April 2030 | 5% | —% | 14% |
| IBEW Locals 1393 and USW Locals 12213 & 7441 | December 2026 | 3% | —% | 9% |
| IBEW Locals 949 | December 2030 | 3% | —% | 8% |
| USW Locals 13-227 | June 2027 | 5% | —% | 16% |
| IBEW Local 702 | June 2029 | 3% | —% | —% |
| Teamsters Local 135/215 | September 2027 | —% | —% | —% |
| UWUA Local 175 | October 2027 | 2% | —% | 4% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total |  | 42% | 54% | 54% |

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The collective bargaining agreements with IBEW Locals 1393 and USW Locals 12213 & 7441 related to Indiana Gas employees, as well as with IBEW Local 66 related to Houston Electric employees, are scheduled to expire in December 2026 (IBEW Local 1393 & USW Locals 12213 & 7441) and May 2026 (IBEW Local 66), and negotiations of these agreements are

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expected to be completed before the respective expirations. The collective bargaining agreement with OPEIU Local 12 related primarily to CERC employees in Minnesota expired in December 2025 and negotiations are ongoing.

**(9) Fair Value Measurements** 

Assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value in the Registrants' Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their value. Hierarchical levels, as defined below and directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuations of these assets and liabilities, are as follows:

Level 1: Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. The types of assets carried at Level 1 fair value generally are exchange-traded derivatives and equity securities.

Level 2: Inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. Fair value assets and liabilities that are generally included in this category are derivatives with fair values based on inputs from actively quoted markets. A market approach is utilized to value the Registrants' Level 2 interest rate derivative assets or liabilities and natural gas derivative assets or liabilities. CenterPoint Energy's Level 2 indexed debt securities derivative is valued using an option model and a discounted cash flow model, which uses projected dividends on the ZENS-Related Securities and a discount rate as observable inputs.

Level 3: Inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs reflect the Registrants' judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability since limited market data exists. The Registrants develop these inputs based on the best information available, including the Registrants' own data.

The Registrants determine the appropriate level for each financial asset and liability on a quarterly basis and recognize transfers between levels at the end of the reporting period. As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Registrants did not have any assets or liabilities classified as Level 3.

The following tables present information about the Registrants' assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the dates presented and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Registrants to determine such fair value:

**CenterPoint Energy**

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| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **Level 1** | **Level 2** | **Level 3** | **Total** | **Level 1** | **Level 2** | **Level 3** | **Total** |
| **Assets** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Investments in equity securities  | $510 | $— | $— | $510 | $561 | $— | $— | $561 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Investments, including money market funds (1) | 23 |  |  | 23 | 22 |  |  | 22 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total assets | $533 | $— | $— | $533 | $583 | $— | $— | $583 |
| **Liabilities** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Indexed debt securities derivative | $— | $564 | $— | $564 | $— | $619 | $— | $619 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total liabilities | $— | $564 | $— | $564 | $— | $619 | $— | $619 |

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**Houston Electric**

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| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **Level 1** | **Level 2** | **Level 3** | **Total** | **Level 1** | **Level 2** | **Level 3** | **Total** |
| **Assets** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Investments, including money market funds (2) | $6 | $— | $— | $6 | $5 | $— | $— | $5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total assets | $6 | $— | $— | $6 | $5 | $— | $— | $5 |

---

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**CERC**

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| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **Level 1** | **Level 2** | **Level 3** | **Total** | **Level 1** | **Level 2** | **Level 3** | **Total** |
| **Assets** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Investments, including money market funds (1) | $16 | $— | $— | $16 | $15 | $— | $— | $15 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total assets | $16 | $— | $— | $16 | $15 | $— | $— | $15 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Primarily included in Other non-current assets in the respective Consolidated Balance Sheets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)Primarily included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

***Items Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis***

As a result of classifying the Ohio Natural Gas LDC business and Louisiana and Mississippi Natural Gas LDC businesses as held for sale at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, CenterPoint Energy and CERC used a market approach consisting of contractual sales price adjusted for estimated working capital and other contractual purchase price adjustments to determine the fair value of the businesses classified as held for sale, which are Level 2 inputs. Neither CenterPoint Energy nor CERC recognized any gains or losses from held for sale for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. See Note 4 for further information.

***Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments***

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents and investments in equity securities measured at fair value are estimated to be approximately equivalent to carrying amounts and have been excluded from the table below. Additionally, CenterPoint Energy's ZENS indexed debt securities derivative is stated at fair value and is excluded from the table below. The fair value of each debt instrument included below is determined by multiplying the principal amount of each debt instrument by a combination of historical trading prices and comparable issue data. These liabilities, which are not measured at fair value in the Registrants' Consolidated Balance Sheets, but for which the fair value is disclosed, would be classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy (1)** | **Houston Electric (1)** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy (1)** | **Houston Electric (1)** | **CERC** |
| **Short-term borrowings and long-term debt, including current maturities** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Carrying amount | $22980 | $10079 | $4717 | $20961 | $8822 | $5184 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fair value | 22377 | 9292 | 4711 | 19597 | 7746 | 5032 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Includes Securitization Bonds.

**(10) Equity Securities and Indexed Debt Securities (ZENS) (CenterPoint Energy)** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(a) Equity Securities***

Gains and losses on equity securities, net of transaction costs, are recorded as Gain (loss) on equity securities in CenterPoint Energy's Statements of Consolidated Income. The following table presents unrealized gains (losses), net on equity securities owned by CenterPoint Energy for the periods presented:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | | **(in millions)** | |
| AT&T Common | $21 | $62 | $(17) |
| Charter Common | (117) | (40) | 43 |
| WBD Common | 45 | (2) | 5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities, net | $(51) | $20 | $31 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries hold shares of certain securities detailed in the table below, which are classified as trading securities. Shares of AT&T Common, Charter Common and WBD Common are expected to be held to facilitate

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CenterPoint Energy's ability to meet its obligation under the ZENS. The following table represents information on CenterPoint Energy's equity securities for the periods presented:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares Held at December 31,** | **Shares Held at December 31,** | **Carrying Value at December 31,** | **Carrying Value at December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2025** | **2024** |
| | | | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| AT&T Common | 10212945 | 10212945 | $254 | $233 |
| Charter Common | 872503 | 872503 | 182 | 299 |
| WBD Common | 2470685 | 2470685 | 71 | 26 |
| Other |  |  | 3 | 3 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total |  |  | $510 | $561 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(b) ZENS***

In September 1999, CenterPoint Energy issued ZENS having an original principal amount of $1.0 billion, of which $828 million remained outstanding as of December 31, 2025. Each ZENS is exchangeable at the holder's option at any time for an amount of cash equal to 95% of the market value of the reference shares attributable to such note. The number and identity of the reference shares attributable to each ZENS are adjusted for certain corporate events. CenterPoint Energy's reference shares for each ZENS consisted of the following for the periods presented:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **(in shares)** | **(in shares)** |
| AT&T Common | 0.7185 | 0.7185 |
| Charter Common | 0.061382 | 0.061382 |
| WBD Common | 0.173817 | 0.173817 |

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On June 9, 2025, WBD announced plans to separate the company, in a tax-free transaction, into two publicly traded companies, referred to by WBD as, respectively, the "Streaming & Studios" company and the "Global Networks" company (Discovery Global). On December 5, 2025, Netflix and WBD announced they had entered into an agreement under which Netflix will acquire the "Streaming & Studio" company following the previously-announced division. Under the agreement, each WBD shareholder would receive $23.25 in cash and $4.50 in shares of Netflix common stock for each share of WBD Common outstanding at the closing of the transaction. On January 20, 2026, Netflix and WBD announced they had amended their agreement to be all-cash transaction. If the division and merger close, WBD Common would be exchanged for cash and Discovery Global stock and as a result, reference shares would consist of AT&T Common, Charter Common, and stock in Discovery Global.

CenterPoint Energy pays interest on the ZENS at an annual rate of 2% plus the amount of any quarterly cash dividends paid in respect of the reference shares attributable to the ZENS. The principal amount of the ZENS is subject to increases or decreases to the extent that the annual yield from interest and cash dividends on the reference shares attributable to the ZENS is less than or more than 2.309%. The adjusted principal amount is defined in the ZENS instrument as "contingent principal." As of December 31, 2025, the ZENS, having an original principal amount of $828 million and a contingent principal amount of less than $0.1 million, were outstanding and were exchangeable, at the option of the holders, for cash equal to 95% of the market value of the reference shares attributable to the ZENS. As of December 31, 2025, the market value of such shares was approximately $507 million, which would provide an exchange amount of $582 for each $1,000 original principal amount of ZENS. At maturity of the ZENS in 2029, CenterPoint Energy will be obligated to pay in cash the higher of the contingent principal amount of the ZENS or an amount based on the then-current market value of the reference shares, which will include any additional publicly-traded securities distributed with respect to the current reference shares prior to maturity.

The ZENS obligation is bifurcated into a debt component and a derivative component (the holder's option to receive the appreciated value of the reference shares at maturity). The bifurcated debt component accretes through interest charges annually up to the contingent principal amount of the ZENS in 2029. Such accretion will be reduced by annual cash interest payments, as previously described. The derivative component is recorded at fair value and changes in the fair value of the derivative component are recorded as Gain (loss) on indexed debt securities in CenterPoint Energy's Statements of Consolidated Income. Changes in the fair value of the ZENS-Related Securities held by CenterPoint Energy are expected to substantially offset changes in the fair value of the derivative component of the ZENS.

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The following table provides summarized financial information related to CenterPoint Energy's investment in ZENS-Related Securities and each component of CenterPoint Energy's ZENS obligation for the periods presented:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Investment in Equity Securities** | **Indexed Debt, net** | **Indexed Debt Securities Derivative** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Balance as of December 31, 2022 | $507 | $7 | $578 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accretion of debt component of ZENS |  | 17 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2% interest paid |  | (17) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Distribution to ZENS holders |  | (2) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on indexed debt securities |  |  | 27 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on ZENS-Related Securities | 31 |  |  |
| Balance as of December 31, 2023 | 538 | 5 | 605 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accretion of debt component of ZENS |  | 16 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2% interest paid |  | (17) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Distribution to ZENS holders |  | (2) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on indexed debt securities |  |  | 14 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on ZENS-Related Securities | 20 |  |  |
| Balance as of December 31, 2024 | 558 | 2 | 619 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accretion of debt component of ZENS |  | 17 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2% interest paid |  | (17) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Distribution to ZENS holders |  | (2) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on indexed debt securities |  |  | (55) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on ZENS-Related Securities | (51) |  |  |
| Balance as of December 31, 2025 | $507 | $— | $564 |

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**(11) Equity (CenterPoint Energy)** 

***Dividends Declared and Paid (CenterPoint Energy)***

CenterPoint Energy's dividends declared and dividends paid are as follows for the periods presented:

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Dividends Declared Per Share** | **Dividends Declared Per Share** | **Dividends Declared Per Share** | **Dividends Paid Per Share** | **Dividends Paid Per Share** | **Dividends Paid Per Share** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Common Stock | $0.890 | $0.830 | $0.780 | $0.880 | $0.810 | $0.770 |
| Series A Preferred Stock (1) | $— | $— | $30.625 | $— | $— | $61.250 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)All of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock were redeemed during 2023 as further described below.

***Common Stock (CenterPoint Energy)***

*(a) Underwritten Offering*

On August 9, 2024, CenterPoint Energy issued 9,754,194 shares of Common Stock in an underwritten public offering at a price of $25.36 per share, for net proceeds of $247 million after deducting issuance costs. The proceeds from the offering were used for the repayment of a portion of CenterPoint Energy's then-outstanding commercial paper.

*(b) Equity Distribution Agreement*

On January 10, 2024, CenterPoint Energy entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement with certain financial institutions with respect to the offering and sale from time to time of shares of Common Stock, having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $500 million. Sales of Common Stock may be made by any method permitted by applicable law and deemed to be an "at the market offering" as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act. The offer and sale of Common Stock under the Equity Distribution Agreement will terminate upon the earliest of (1) the sale of all Common Stock subject to the Equity Distribution Agreement, (2) termination of the Equity Distribution Agreement or (3) May 17, 2026.

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

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an initial forward price of $36.29 per share and $36.72 per share, respectively. The gross sales price of these shares totaled approximately $120 million and $25 million, respectively. In connection with these sales, the ATM Forward Sellers were deemed to have received commissions of approximately $1 million and less than $1 million, 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. The gross sales price of these shares totaled approximately $20 million. In connection with these sales, the ATM Forward Seller was deemed to have received a commission of less than $1 million. CenterPoint Energy has not received any proceeds from such sales of borrowed shares. On a settlement date or dates, if CenterPoint Energy elects to physically settle the forward sale agreements, CenterPoint Energy will issue shares of Common Stock to the counterparties at the then-applicable forward sale price. The forward price used to determine amounts due at settlement is calculated based on a floating interest rate factor equal to the overnight bank funding rate less a spread of 75 basis points, and will be subject to decrease on certain dates specified in the forward sale agreements by specified amounts related to expected dividends on the shares of the Common Stock during the term of the forward sale agreements. If the overnight bank funding rate is less than or more than the spread on any day, the interest rate factor will result in a reduction or an increase, respectively, of the forward sale price. As initial pricing terms were based on market prices for Common Stock, no amounts were recorded at the execution of the forward sale agreements. CenterPoint Energy will receive proceeds when settlement occurs and will record the proceeds in equity.

The forward sale agreements pursuant to the Equity Distribution Agreement require CenterPoint Energy to, at its election on or prior to May 14, 2026, either (1) physically settle the transactions by issuing the total of 4,480,628 shares of Common Stock to the counterparties in exchange for cash of approximately $165 million or (2) net settle the transactions in whole or in part through the delivery or receipt of cash or shares of Common Stock. Pursuant to such net settlement provisions, these agreements could have been settled on December 31, 2025 by CenterPoint Energy's delivery of approximately $7.0 million of cash or 187,450 shares of Common Stock to the banking counterparties if CenterPoint Energy unilaterally elected net cash or net share settlement, respectively. As of December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy had approximately $85 million of remaining capacity available under the at-the-market program.

*(c) 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 at an initial forward price of $36.26 per share. On a settlement date or dates, if CenterPoint Energy elects to physically settle the forward sale agreements, CenterPoint Energy will issue shares of Common Stock to the counterparties at the then-applicable forward sale price. Each forward sale agreement provides that the initial forward sale price will be subject to adjustment based on a floating interest rate factor equal to the overnight bank funding rate less a spread of 75 basis points, and will be subject to decrease on each of certain dates specified in the relevant forward sale agreement by amounts related to expected dividends on shares of the Common Stock during the term of such forward sale agreement. If the overnight bank funding rate is less than or more than the spread on any day, the interest rate factor will result in a reduction or an increase, respectively of the forward sale price. As initial pricing terms were based on market prices for Common Stock, no amounts were recorded at the execution of the forward sale agreements. CenterPoint Energy will receive proceeds when settlement occurs and will record the proceeds in equity.

The forward sale agreements require CenterPoint Energy to, at its election on or prior to February 25, 2027, either (1) physically settle the transactions by issuing the total of 24,864,865 shares of Common Stock to the counterparties in exchange for cash of $907 million or (2) net settle the transactions in whole or in part through the delivery or receipt of cash or shares of Common Stock. Pursuant to such net settlement provisions, these agreements could also have been settled on December 31, 2025 by CenterPoint Energy's delivery of approximately $45 million of cash or 1,161,405 shares of Common Stock to the banking counterparties if CenterPoint Energy unilaterally elected net cash or net share settlement, respectively.

***Series A Preferred Stock (CenterPoint Energy)***

On September 1, 2023, CenterPoint Energy redeemed all 800,000 outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, in whole for cash at a redemption price of $1,000. Income allocated to the Series A Preferred shareholders was $50 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Series A Preferred Stock accrued cumulative dividends, calculated as a percentage of the stated amount per share, at a fixed annual rate of 6.125% per annum to be paid in cash if, when and as declared. If declared, dividends were payable semi-annually in arrears on each March 1 and September 1.

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***Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and CERC)***

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows for the periods presented:

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Beginning Balance | $(17) | $(1) | $17 | $(35) | $— | $16 |
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Remeasurement of pension and other postretirement plans | (7) | (1) | (1) | 16 | (1) | 2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net deferred gain from cash flow hedges |  |  |  | 4 |  |  |
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prior service cost (1) | 1 |  | 1 | 1 |  | 1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Actuarial losses (gain) (1) | (2) |  | (3) | 2 |  | (2) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reclassification of deferred gain from cash flow hedges realized in net income (2) | (1) |  |  | (1) |  |  |
| Tax benefit (expense) |  |  | 1 | (4) |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other comprehensive income (loss) | (9) | (1) | (2) | 18 | (1) | 1 |
| Ending Balance | $(26) | $(2) | $15 | $(17) | $(1) | $17 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Amounts are included in the computation of net periodic cost and are reflected in Other income (expense), net in each of the Registrants' respective Statements of Consolidated Income.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)Amounts are reflected in Interest expense and other finance charges in CenterPoint Energy's Statements of Consolidated Income.

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**(12) Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt** 

*Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt:* The Registrants had the following short-term borrowings and long-term debt outstanding as of the dates presented:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **Long-Term** | **Current (1)** | **Long-Term** | **Current (1)** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| **CenterPoint Energy:** | | | | |
| ZENS due 2029 (2) | $— | $— | $— | $2 |
| CenterPoint Energy senior notes 1.45% to 5.25% due 2026 to 2049 | 2470 | 1517 | 3950 |  |
| CenterPoint Energy Junior Subordinated Notes 5.95% to 7.00% due 2055 to 2056 | 2000 |  | 1300 |  |
| CenterPoint Energy pollution control bonds 5.125% due 2028 (3) | 68 |  | 68 |  |
| CenterPoint Energy commercial paper (4) | 420 |  | 382 |  |
| SIGECO first mortgage bonds 3.45% to 6.18% due 2025 to 2055 (5) | 1459 |  | 944 | 41 |
| SIGECO Securitization Bonds 5.026% to 5.172% due 2036 to 2041 (6) | 299 | 13 | 311 | 13 |
| Unamortized debt issuance costs | (56) | (3) | (48) |  |
| Unamortized discount and premium, net | (3) |  | (6) |  |
| Houston Electric debt (see details below) | 9252 | 827 | 8322 | 500 |
| CERC debt (see details below) | 4657 | 60 | 5174 | 10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total CenterPoint Energy debt | $20566 | $2414 | $20397 | $566 |

---

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Houston Electric:** | | | | |
| Short Term Borrowings: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Term loan (7) | $— | $500 | $— | $500 |
| Long-term debt: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;General mortgage bonds 2.35% to 6.95% due 2026 to 2053 (8) | 8978 | 300 | 8412 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 1 |  | 1 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Restoration Bond Company II Securitization Bonds 4.26% to 4.83% due 2035 to 2040 (9) | 375 | 27 |  |  |
| Unamortized debt issuance costs | (73) |  | (62) |  |
| Unamortized discount and premium, net | (29) |  | (29) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Houston Electric debt | $9252 | $827 | $8322 | $500 |

---

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **CERC (10):** | | | | |
| Senior notes 1.75% to 6.625% due 2026 to 2047 | $4045 | $60 | $4520 | $— |
| Indiana Gas senior notes 6.34% to 7.08% due 2025 to 2029 | 76 |  | 86 | 10 |
| Commercial paper (4) | 559 |  | 599 |  |
| Unamortized debt issuance costs | (23) |  | (31) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total CERC debt | $4657 | $60 | $5174 | $10 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Includes amounts due or exchangeable within one year of the date noted.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)CenterPoint Energy's ZENS obligation is bifurcated into a debt component and an embedded derivative component. For additional information regarding ZENS, see Note 10(b). As ZENS are exchangeable for cash at any time at the option of the holders, these notes are classified as a current portion of long-term debt.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)These pollution control bonds were secured by general mortgage bonds of Houston Electric as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 and are not reflected in Houston Electric's consolidated financial statements because of the contingent nature of the obligations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4)Commercial paper issued by CenterPoint Energy and CERC Corp. has maturities up to 60 days and 30 days, respectively, and are backstopped by the respective issuer's long-term revolving credit facility. Commercial paper is classified as long-term because the termination date of the facility that backstops the commercial paper is more than one year from the balance sheet date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5)The first mortgage bonds issued by SIGECO subject SIGECO's properties to a lien under the related mortgage indenture as further discussed below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6)Scheduled final payment dates are November 15, 2036 and May 15, 2041. The SIGECO Securitization Bonds will be repaid over time through a securitization charge imposed on retail electric customers in SIGECO's service territory.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7)On November 20, 2025, Houston Electric, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as administrative agent, and the banks party thereto entered into a First Amendment to the Term Loan Agreement, amending Houston Electric's Term Loan Agreement dated as of June 24, 2024. The First Amendment extended the maturity date of the Term Loan Agreement from December 24, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8)The general mortgage bonds issued by Houston Electric subject Houston Electric's properties to a lien under the General Mortgage as further discussed below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9)Scheduled final payment dates are December 15, 2035 and June 15, 2040. The Restoration Bond Company II Securitization Bonds will be repaid over time through a securitization charge imposed on retail electric customers in Houston Electric's service territory.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(10) Issued by CERC Corp.

***Debt Transactions***

*Debt Issuances.* During 2025, the following debt instruments were issued or incurred:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Registrant** | **Issuance Date** | **Debt Instrument** | **Aggregate Principal Amount** | **Interest Rate** | **Maturity Date** |
| | | **(in millions, except for interest rates)** | **(in millions, except for interest rates)** | **(in millions, except for interest rates)** | |
| Houston Electric (1) | February 2025 | General Mortgage Bonds | $500 | 4.80% | 2030 |
| Houston Electric (2) | August 2025 | General Mortgage Bonds | 600 | 4.95% | 2035 |
| Houston Electric (3) | September 2025 | Securitization Bonds  | 402 | 4.255% - 4.826% | 2035 - 2040 |
|  |  | **Total Houston Electric** | 1502 |  |  |
| CenterPoint Energy (4) | January 2025 | First Mortgage Bonds | 165 | 5.69% | 2055 |
| CenterPoint Energy (5) | July 2025 | First Mortgage Bonds | 100 | 5.09% | 2031 |
| CenterPoint Energy (5) | July 2025 | First Mortgage Bonds | 105 | 5.52% | 2035 |
| CenterPoint Energy (6) | July 2025 | 2028 Convertible Senior Notes | 1000 | 3.00% | 2028 |
| CenterPoint Energy (7) | October 2025 | First Mortgage Bonds | 45 | 5.77% | 2040 |
| CenterPoint Energy (7) | October 2025 | First Mortgage Bonds | 100 | 6.18% | 2055 |
| CenterPoint Energy (8) | October 2025 | Junior Subordinated Notes | 700 | 5.95% | 2056 |
|  |  | **Total CenterPoint Energy** | $3717 |  |  |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Net proceeds from Houston Electric's February 2025 issuance of general mortgage bonds, after deducting transaction expenses and fees, were approximately $495 million, which were used for general limited liability company purposes, including capital expenditures and working capital purposes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)Net proceeds from Houston Electric's August 2025 issuance of general mortgage bonds, after deducting transaction expenses and fees, were approximately $592 million, which were used for general limited liability company purposes, including capital expenditures and working capital purposes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)Issued by Restoration Bond Company II. Net proceeds from the September 2025 issuance of the Restoration Bond Company II Securitization Bonds, after deducting transaction expenses and fees, were approximately $396 million, which were used to purchase the system restoration property from Houston Electric.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4)Issued by SIGECO. Net proceeds from SIGECO's January 2025 issuance of first mortgage bonds, after deducting transaction expenses and fees, were approximately $164 million, which were used for the acquisition of Posey Solar.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5)Issued by SIGECO. Total proceeds from SIGECO's July 2025 issuance of the Series 2025B Bonds were used for general corporate purposes, including repaying short-term debt, refunding long-term debt at maturity or otherwise and funding capital expenditures.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6)Net proceeds from CenterPoint Energy's July 2025 issuance of convertible senior notes, after deducting transaction expenses and fees, were approximately $987 million, which were used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of a portion of CenterPoint Energy's outstanding commercial paper and other debt.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7)Issued by SIGECO. Total proceeds from SIGECO's October 2025 issuance of first mortgage bonds of the Series 2025C Bonds were used for general corporate purposes, including repaying short-term debt, refunding long-term debt at maturity or otherwise and funding capital expenditures.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8)Net proceeds from CenterPoint Energy's October 2025 issuance of junior subordinated notes, after deducting transaction expenses and fees, were approximately $691 million, which were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of a portion of CenterPoint Energy's outstanding commercial paper.

*Junior Subordinated Notes due 2056.* As described in the table above, in October 2025, CenterPoint Energy issued $700 million aggregate principal amount of 5.950% Fixed-to-Fixed Reset Rate Junior Subordinated Notes, Series D, due 2056

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(the "Series D Notes"). Interest on the Series D Notes accrues from October 2, 2025 and is payable semiannually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on April 1, 2026, and maturing on April 1, 2056. The Series D Notes bear interest (i) from and including October 2, 2025 to, but excluding, April 1, 2031 at the rate of 5.950% per annum and (ii) from and including April 1, 2031, during each five-year period following April 1, 2031 (each such five-year period, a "Series D Interest Reset Period"), at a rate per annum equal to the Five-Year Treasury Rate (as defined in the Junior Subordinated Notes Indenture) as of two business days prior to the beginning of the applicable Series D Interest Reset Period plus a spread of 2.223%, with such rate per annum to be reset on each five-year anniversary of April 1, 2031; provided that the interest rate during any Series D Interest Reset Period will not reset below 5.950% per annum (which is the same interest rate as in effect from and including the original issue date to, but excluding, April 1, 2031). So long as no event of default (as defined in the prospectus supplement relating to the offering of the Series D Notes) with respect to the Series D Notes has occurred and is continuing, CenterPoint Energy may, at its option, defer interest payments on the Series D Notes, from time to time, for one or more deferral periods of up to 20 consecutive semiannual interest payment periods, except that no such optional deferral period (as defined in the prospectus supplement relating to the offering of the Series D Notes) may extend beyond the final maturity date of the Series D Notes or end on a day other than the day immediately preceding an interest payment date.

During any optional deferral period, CenterPoint Energy (and its majority-owned subsidiaries, as applicable) will not (subject to certain exceptions as described in the Junior Subordinated Notes Indenture): (i) declare or pay any dividends or distributions on any of CenterPoint Energy's capital stock; (ii) redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to any of CenterPoint Energy's capital stock; (iii) pay any principal, interest (to the extent such interest is deferrable) or premium on, or repay, repurchase or redeem any of CenterPoint Energy's indebtedness that ranks equally with or junior to the Series D Notes in right of payment (including debt securities of other series, such as the other series of the Junior Subordinated Notes outstanding); or (iv) make any payments with respect to any guarantees by CenterPoint Energy of any indebtedness if such guarantees rank equally with or junior to the Series D Notes in right of payment.

The Series D Notes are CenterPoint Energy's unsecured obligations and rank junior and subordinate in right of payment to the prior payment in full of CenterPoint Energy's existing and future Senior Indebtedness (as defined in the Junior Subordinated Notes Indenture).

*2026 Convertible Senior Notes.* Interest on the 2026 Convertible Notes is payable semiannually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year, beginning on February 15, 2024. The 2026 Convertible Notes will mature on August 15, 2026, unless earlier converted or repurchased by CenterPoint Energy in accordance with their terms.

Prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding May 15, 2026, the 2026 Convertible Notes are convertible only under certain conditions. On or after May 15, 2026 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders of the 2026 Convertible Notes may convert all or any portion of their 2026 Convertible Notes at any time at the conversion rate then in effect, irrespective of the conditions. CenterPoint Energy may not redeem the 2026 Convertible Notes prior to the maturity date.

Upon conversion of the 2026 Convertible Notes, CenterPoint Energy will pay cash up to the aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Convertible Notes to be converted and pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of Common Stock, or a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, at CenterPoint Energy's election, in respect of the remainder, if any, of CenterPoint Energy's conversion obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Convertible Notes being converted. The conversion rate for the 2026 Convertible Notes is initially 27.1278 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2026 Convertible Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $36.86 per share of Common Stock). The initial conversion price of the 2026 Convertible Notes represents a premium of approximately 25.0% over the last reported sale price of the Common Stock on the NYSE on August 1, 2023. Initially, a maximum of 33,909,700 shares of Common Stock may be issued upon conversion of the 2026 Convertible Notes based on the initial maximum conversion rate of 33.9097 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2026 Convertible Notes. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment in some events (as described in the 2026 Convertible Notes Indenture) but will not be adjusted for any accrued and unpaid interest.

*2028 Convertible Senior Notes.* Interest on the 2028 Convertible Notes is payable semiannually in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year, beginning on February 1, 2026. The 2028 Convertible Notes will mature on August 1, 2028, unless earlier converted or repurchased by CenterPoint Energy in accordance with their terms.

Prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding May 1, 2028, the 2028 Convertible Notes are convertible only under certain conditions. On or after May 1, 2028 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders of the 2028 Convertible Notes may convert all or any portion of their

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2028 Convertible Notes at any time at the conversion rate then in effect, irrespective of the conditions. CenterPoint Energy may not redeem the 2028 Convertible Notes prior to the maturity date.

Upon conversion of the 2028 Convertible Notes, CenterPoint Energy will pay cash up to the aggregate principal amount of the 2028 Convertible Notes to be converted and pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of Common Stock, or a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, at CenterPoint Energy's election, in respect of the remainder, if any, of CenterPoint Energy's conversion obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the 2028 Convertible Notes being converted. The conversion rate for the 2028 Convertible Notes is initially 21.4477 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2028 Convertible Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $46.63 per share of Common Stock). The initial conversion price of the 2028 Convertible Notes represents a premium of approximately 25.0% over the last reported sale price of the Common Stock on the NYSE on July 28, 2025. Initially, a maximum of 26,809,600 shares of Common Stock may be issued upon conversion of the 2028 Convertible Notes based on the initial maximum conversion rate of 26.8096 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2028 Convertible Notes. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment in some events (as described in the 2028 Convertible Notes Indenture) but will not be adjusted for any accrued and unpaid interest.

In addition, following certain corporate events that occur prior to the maturity date of the convertible notes, CenterPoint Energy will, in certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate for a holder of convertible notes who elects to convert its convertible notes in connection with such a corporate event. If CenterPoint Energy undergoes a fundamental change (as defined in the respective convertible notes indenture), holders of the convertible notes may require CenterPoint Energy to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their convertible notes at a fundamental change repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the convertible notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.

The convertible notes are senior unsecured obligations of CenterPoint Energy and rank senior in right of payment to any of CenterPoint Energy's indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the convertible notes; equal in right of payment to any of CenterPoint Energy's unsecured indebtedness that is not so subordinated; effectively junior in right of payment to any of CenterPoint Energy's secured indebtedness it may incur in the future to the extent of the value of the assets securing such future secured indebtedness; and structurally junior to all indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables but excluding intercompany obligations and liabilities of a type not required to be reflected on a balance sheet of such subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP) of CenterPoint Energy's subsidiaries.

*Debt Repurchases and Repayments.* During 2025, the following debt instruments were repurchased prior to maturity or repaid at maturity:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Registrant** | **Repurchase/Repayment Date** | **Debt Instrument** | **Aggregate Principal** | **Interest Rate** | **Maturity Date** |
| | | | **(in millions)** | | |
| CERC (1) | March 2025 | Term Loan | $10 | 6.36% | 2028 |
| CERC (2) | April 2025 | Senior Notes | 415 | 4.10% - 5.40% | 2033 - 2047 |
| CERC (3) | June 2025 | Term Loan | 10 | 6.53% | 2025 |
|  |  | **Total CERC** | 435 |  |  |
| Houston Electric (4) | October 2025 | General Mortgage Bonds | 234 | 4.25% - 4.50% | 2044 - 2049 |
|  |  | **Total Houston Electric** | 234 |  |  |
| CenterPoint Energy (2) | April 2025 | Senior Notes | 634 | 3.70% - 5.40% | 2026 - 2049 |
| CenterPoint Energy (5) | July 2025 | First Mortgage Bonds | 41 | 3.45% | 2025 |
| CenterPoint Energy (4) | October 2025 | Senior Notes | 329 | 2.65% - 3.70% | 2030 - 2049 |
|  |  | **Total CenterPoint Energy** | $1673 |  |  |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) In March 2025, CERC, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Indiana Gas, repurchased $10 million aggregate principal amount of Indiana Gas's 6.36% Medium Term Notes, Series F, due 2028 at a redemption price equal to 104.8% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In April 2025, CenterPoint Energy commenced cash tender offers for up to (i) $600 million aggregate purchase price of certain of CenterPoint Energy's outstanding senior notes, ranging from 2.65% to 5.40%, due 2026 to 2049, and (ii)

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$400 million aggregate purchase price of certain of CERC's senior notes, ranging from 4.10% to 5.40%, due 2028 to 2047. In May 2025, CenterPoint Energy accepted for purchase and paid approximately $1 billion in connection with the settlement of the tender offers. Upon completion of the tender offers, CenterPoint Energy cancelled approximately $634 million aggregate principal amount of its senior notes and CERC Corp. cancelled approximately $415 million aggregate principal amount of its senior notes pursuant to the terms of the respective indentures governing such notes. CenterPoint Energy and CERC recognized a gain on early extinguishment of debt of approximately $36 million and $9 million, respectively, which is included in Interest expense and other finance charges on their Statements of Consolidated Income.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) In June 2025, CERC, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Indiana Gas, repaid at maturity $10 million aggregate principal amount of Indiana Gas's 6.53% Medium Term Notes, Series E due 2025 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) In September 2025, CenterPoint Energy commenced cash tender offers for up to (i) $300 million aggregate purchase price of certain of CenterPoint Energy's outstanding senior notes, ranging from 2.65% to 3.70%, due 2030 to 2049, and (ii) $200 million aggregate purchase price of certain of Houston Electric's general mortgage bonds, ranging from 4.25% to 4.50%, due 2044 to 2049. In October 2025, CenterPoint Energy accepted for purchase and paid approximately $504 million in connection with the settlement of the tender offers. Upon completion of the tender offers, CenterPoint Energy cancelled approximately $329 million aggregate principal amount of its senior notes and Houston Electric cancelled approximately $234 million aggregate principal amount of its general mortgage bonds pursuant to the terms of the respective indentures governing such securities. CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric recognized a gain on early extinguishment of debt of approximately $25 million and $24 million, respectively, which is included in Interest expense and other finance charges on their Statements of Consolidated Income, except to the extent it was deferred as outlined in the table below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) In July 2025, CenterPoint Energy, through its wholly-owned subsidiary SIGECO, repaid at maturity $41 million aggregate principal amount of SIGECO's outstanding 3.45% first mortgage bonds due 2025 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the first mortgage bonds to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and CERC recorded the following gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt, including make-whole premiums and recognition of deferred debt related costs, in Interest expense and other finance charges on their respective Statements of Consolidated Income unless specified otherwise for the periods presented:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| CenterPoint Energy (1) | $61 | $— | $(11) |
| Houston Electric (2) | 24 |  |  |
| CERC | 9 |  |  |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) The loss on early extinguishment of debt at CenterPoint Energy during 2023 was recorded as a regulatory asset.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) The gain on early extinguishment of debt at Houston Electric during 2025 was recorded as a reduction within Regulatory assets on its Consolidated Balance Sheet.

*Securitization Bonds.* As of December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and SIGECO had VIEs including the Bond Companies and the SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary, which are consolidated. The consolidated VIEs are wholly-owned, bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entities that were formed solely for the purpose of securitizing transition property or system restoration property or facilitating the securitization financing of qualified costs. The Securitization Bonds issued by Transition Bond Company IV and Restoration Bond Company II are payable only through the imposition and collection of transition charges or system restoration charges, as defined in the Texas Public Utility Regulatory Act, which are irrevocable, non-bypassable charges to provide recovery of authorized qualified costs. The SIGECO Securitization Bonds are payable only through the imposition of securitization charges payable by SIGECO's retail electric customers, which are non-bypassable charges to provide recovery of the qualified costs of SIGECO authorized by the IURC order. CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and SIGECO have no payment obligations in respect of the Securitization Bonds issued by the Bond Companies or the SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary other than to remit the applicable transition, system restoration or securitization charges they collect as set forth in servicing agreements among Houston Electric, the Bond Companies, SIGECO, the SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary and other parties, as applicable. Each special purpose entity is the sole owner of the right to impose, collect and receive the applicable transition, system restoration and securitization charges securing the bonds issued by that entity. Creditors of CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and SIGECO have no recourse to any assets or revenues of the Bond

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Companies (including the transition, system restoration or securitization charges) or the SIGECO Securitization Subsidiary, as applicable, and the bondholders have no recourse to the general credit of CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric or SIGECO.

*Credit Facilities.* The Registrants had the following revolving credit facilities as of December 31, 2025:

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Registrant** | **Execution<br> Date** | **Size of<br>Facility** | **Draw Rate of SOFR plus (1)** | **Financial Covenant Limit on Debt for Borrowed Money to Capital Ratio** | | **Debt for Borrowed Money to Capital** <br>**Ratio as of December 31, 2025 (2)** | **Termination**<br> **Date (5)** |
| | | **(in millions)** | | | | | |
| CenterPoint Energy | December 6, 2022 | $2400 | 1.500% | 65% | (3) | 59.6% | December 6, 2028 |
| CenterPoint Energy (4) | December 6, 2022 | 250 | 1.125% | 65% |  | 45.0% | December 6, 2028 |
| Houston Electric | December 6, 2022 | 300 | 1.250% | 67.5% | (3) | 54.6% | December 6, 2028 |
| CERC | December 6, 2022 | 1050 | 1.125% | 65% |  | 40.8% | December 6, 2028 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total |  | $4000 |  |  |  |  |  |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Based on credit ratings as of December 31, 2025.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)As defined in the revolving credit facility agreement, excluding Securitization Bonds.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)For CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric, the financial covenant limit will temporarily increase to 70% if Houston Electric experiences damage from a natural disaster in its service territory and CenterPoint Energy certifies to the administrative agent that Houston Electric has incurred system restoration costs reasonably likely to exceed $100 million in a consecutive 12-month period, all or part of which Houston Electric intends to seek to recover through securitization financing. Such temporary increase in the financial covenant would be in effect from the date CenterPoint Energy delivers its certification until the earliest to occur of (i) the completion of the securitization financing, (ii) the first anniversary of CenterPoint Energy's certification, or (iii) the revocation of such certification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4)This credit facility was issued by SIGECO.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5)On January 29, 2025, CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric, CERC and SIGECO each entered into Extension Agreements to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the lenders' commitments under each of their respective Credit Agreements by one year, from December 6, 2027 to December 6, 2028.

The Registrants, as well as the subsidiaries of CenterPoint Energy discussed above, were in compliance with all financial debt covenants as of December 31, 2025.

For the periods presented, the Registrants had the following revolving credit facilities and utilization of such facilities:

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| | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
|<br>**Registrant** | **Size of<br>Facility** | **Loans** | **Letters<br>of Credit** | **Commercial<br>Paper** | **Weighted Average Interest Rate** | **Size of<br>Facility** | **Loans** | **Letters<br>of Credit** | **Commercial<br>Paper** | **Weighted Average Interest Rate** |
| | **(in millions, except weighted average interest rate)** | **(in millions, except weighted average interest rate)** | **(in millions, except weighted average interest rate)** | **(in millions, except weighted average interest rate)** | **(in millions, except weighted average interest rate)** | **(in millions, except weighted average interest rate)** | **(in millions, except weighted average interest rate)** | **(in millions, except weighted average interest rate)** | **(in millions, except weighted average interest rate)** | |
| CenterPoint Energy (1) | $2400 | $— | $— | $420 | 3.78% | $2400 | $— | $— | $382 | 4.59% |
| CenterPoint Energy (2) | 250 |  |  |  | —% | 250 |  |  |  | —% |
| Houston Electric | 300 |  |  |  | —% | 300 |  |  |  | —% |
| CERC | 1050 |  |  | 559 | 3.86% | 1050 |  |  | 599 | 4.62% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $4000 | $— | $— | $979 |  | $4000 | $— | $— | $981 |  |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's outstanding commercial paper generally have maturities up to 60 days and 30 days, respectively, and are backstopped by the respective issuer's long-term revolving credit facility.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)This credit facility was issued by SIGECO.

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*Maturities.* As of December 31, 2025, maturities of long-term debt through 2030, excluding the ZENS obligation and unamortized discounts, premiums and issuance costs, were as follows:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **CenterPoint <br>Energy (1)** | **Houston<br> Electric (1)** | **CERC** | **Securitization Bonds** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| 2026 | $2417 | $827 | $60 | $40 |
| 2027 | 363 | 323 | 26 | 37 |
| 2028 | 3980 | 524 | 1779 | 39 |
| 2029 | 911 | 25 | 30 | 41 |
| 2030 | 1512 | 526 | 500 | 43 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)These maturities include Securitization Bonds principal repayments on scheduled payment dates.

*Liens.* As of December 31, 2025, Houston Electric's assets were subject to liens securing approximately $9.3 billion of general mortgage bonds outstanding under the General Mortgage, including approximately $68 million held in trust to secure pollution control bonds that mature in 2028 for which CenterPoint Energy is obligated. The general mortgage bonds that are held in trust to secure pollution control bonds are not reflected in Houston Electric's consolidated financial statements because of the contingent nature of the obligations. Houston Electric may issue additional general mortgage bonds on the basis of retired bonds, 70% of property additions or cash deposited with the trustee. As of December 31, 2025, approximately $5.1 billion of additional general mortgage bonds could be issued on the basis of retired bonds and 70% of property additions. No first mortgage bonds are outstanding under the M&DOT, and Houston Electric is contractually obligated to not issue any additional first mortgage bonds under the M&DOT and is undertaking actions to release the lien of the M&DOT and terminate the M&DOT.

As of December 31, 2025, SIGECO had approximately $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of first mortgage bonds outstanding. Generally, all of SIGECO's real and tangible property is subject to the lien of SIGECO's mortgage indenture which was amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2023. As of December 31, 2025, SIGECO was permitted to issue additional bonds under its mortgage indenture up to 70% of then currently unfunded property additions and approximately $892 million of additional first mortgage bonds could be issued on this basis.

Houston Electric and CERC participate in a money pool through which they can borrow or invest on a short-term basis. For additional information, see Note 18.

**(13) Income Taxes** 

The components of the Registrants' income tax expense (benefit) were as follows for the periods presented:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| **CenterPoint Energy** |  |  |  |
| Current income tax expense (benefit): |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal | $64 | $(17) | $106 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State | 9 | (9) | 33 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current income tax expense (benefit) | 73 | (26) | 139 |
| Deferred income tax expense (benefit): |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal | 174 | 218 | 119 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State | (52) | 3 | (88) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total deferred income tax expense  | 122 | 221 | 31 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total income tax expense | $195 | $195 | $170 |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| **Houston Electric** |  |  |  |
| Current income tax expense (benefit): |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal | $47 | $62 | $(26) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State | 19 | 15 | 34 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current income tax expense | 66 | 77 | 8 |
| Deferred income tax expense: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal | 80 | 60 | 159 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total deferred income tax expense | 81 | 61 | 160 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total income tax expense | $147 | $138 | $168 |
| **CERC** |  |  |  |
| Current income tax expense (benefit): |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal | $88 | $55 | $12 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State | 1 | (6) | 3 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current income tax expense | 89 | 49 | 15 |
| Deferred income tax expense (benefit): |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal | 70 | 60 | 95 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State | (62) | (5) | (136) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total deferred income tax expense (benefit) | 8 | 55 | (41) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total income tax expense (benefit) | $97 | $104 | $(26) |

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A reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) using the federal statutory income tax rate to the actual income tax expense and resulting effective income tax rate were as follows for the periods presented:

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **Amount** | **Percent** | **Amount** | **Percent** | **Amount** | **Percent** |
| | **(in millions, except percentages)** | **(in millions, except percentages)** | **(in millions, except percentages)** | **(in millions, except percentages)** | **(in millions, except percentages)** | |
| **CenterPoint Energy (1) (2) (3) (4)** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Income before income taxes | $1247 |  | $1214 |  | $1087 |  |
| Federal statutory income tax rate | 262 | 21% | 255 | 21% | 228 | 21% |
| Increase (decrease) in tax expense resulting from: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State income tax benefit, net of federal income tax | (30) | (2)% | (8) | (1)% | (44) | (4)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tax credits | (5) | —% | (9) | (1)% | (6) | (1)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nontaxable or non-deductible items: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Goodwill | 46 | 4% |  | —% |  | —% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Equity AFUDC | (13) | (1)% | (12) | (1)% | (13) | (1)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 3 | —% | (1) | —% | 10 | 1% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in unrecognized tax benefits | (8) | (1)% | 3 | —% | 1 | —% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Excess deferred income tax amortization | (63) | (5)% | (43) | (4)% | (44) | (4)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sale of Energy Systems Group |  | —% |  | —% | 28 | 3% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other, net | 3 | —% | 10 | 2% | 10 | 1% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | (67) | (5)% | (60) | (5)% | (58) | (5)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total income tax expense and effective tax rate | $195 | 16% | $195 | 16% | $170 | 16% |
| **Houston Electric (5)**  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Income before income taxes | $725 |  | $684 |  | $761 |  |
| Federal statutory income tax rate | 152 | 21% | 144 | 21% | 160 | 21% |
| Increase (decrease) in tax expense resulting from: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State income tax expense, net of federal income tax | 15 | 2% | 12 | 2% | 27 | 4% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tax credits |  | —% | (3) | —% | (2) | (1)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nontaxable or non-deductible items: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Equity AFUDC | (6) | (1)% | (5) | (1)% |  | —% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 1 | —% | (2) | —% |  | —% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Excess deferred income tax amortization | (17) | (2)% | (17) | (2)% | (17) | (2)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other, net | 2 | —% | 9 | —% |  | —% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | (5) | (1)% | (6) | (1)% | 8 | 1% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total income tax expense and effective tax rate | $147 | 20% | $138 | 20% | $168 | 22% |
| **CERC (1) (6) (7) (8)** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Income before income taxes | $736 |  | $644 |  | $486 |  |
| Federal statutory income tax rate | 155 | 21% | 135 | 21% | 102 | 21% |
| Increase (decrease) in tax expense resulting from: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State income tax benefit, net of federal income tax | (48) | (7)% | (10) | (2)% | (106) | (22)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tax credits |  | —% | (1) | —% |  | —% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nontaxable or non-deductible items: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Goodwill | 26 | 4% |  | —% |  | —% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Equity AFUDC | (3) | —% | (4) | (1)% |  | —% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other |  | —% | (3) | —% | 5 | 1% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in unrecognized tax benefits | 1 | —% | 1 | —% | 1 | —% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Excess deferred income tax amortization | (36) | (5)% | (15) | (2)% | (23) | (5)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other, net | 2 | —% | 1 | —% | (5) | —% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | (58) | (8)% | (31) | (5)% | (128) | (26)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total income tax expense (benefit) and effective tax rate | $97 | 13% | $104 | 16% | $(26) | (5)% |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)For all periods presented, Minnesota contributed to the majority (greater than 50%) of the tax effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)For 2025, included in the state income tax benefit above is a $74 million net benefit from the remeasurement of deferred state income taxes, resulting from apportionment changes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)For 2024, included in the state income tax benefit above is a $47 million benefit from the remeasurement of deferred state income taxes, resulting from state apportionment changes and a Louisiana statutory rate change. In addition, a

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$17 million valuation allowance was established against Louisiana and Mississippi NOLs, since those NOLs will not be utilized due to the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses sale.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4)For 2023, included in the state income tax benefit is a $69 million benefit for the impact of state apportionment changes that resulted in the remeasurement of state deferred taxes of the unitary group.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5)For all periods presented, Texas contributed to 100% of the tax effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6)For 2025, included in the state income tax benefit above is a $73 million net benefit from state apportionment changes, resulting in a remeasurement of state deferred taxes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7)For 2024, included in the state income tax benefit above is a $45 million benefit resulting from a remeasurement of state deferred taxes due to state apportionment changes and a Louisiana statutory rate change. In addition, a $17 million valuation allowance was established against Louisiana and Mississippi NOLs, since those NOLs will not be utilized due to the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses sale.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8)For 2023, included in the state income tax benefit above is a $66 million benefit for the impact of state apportionment changes that resulted in the remeasurement of state deferred taxes of the unitary group.

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The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows for the periods presented:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| **CenterPoint Energy** | | |
| Deferred tax assets: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefits and compensation | $97 | $126 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory liabilities | 325 | 348 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss and credit carryforwards | 1012 | 942 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Asset retirement obligations | 81 | 98 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 235 | 150 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Valuation allowance | (37) | (35) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total deferred tax assets | 1713 | 1629 |
| Deferred tax liabilities: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Property, plant and equipment | 4609 | 4384 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory assets | 734 | 750 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Investment in ZENS and equity securities related to ZENS | 950 | 866 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 22 | 18 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total deferred tax liabilities | 6315 | 6018 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net deferred tax liabilities | $4602 | $4389 |
| **Houston Electric** |  |  |
| Deferred tax assets: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefits and compensation | $6 | $8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory liabilities | 163 | 158 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss and credit carryforwards | 493 | 408 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Asset retirement obligations | 9 | 9 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 20 | 16 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total deferred tax assets | 691 | 599 |
| Deferred tax liabilities: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Property, plant and equipment | 2161 | 1988 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory assets | 139 | 113 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total deferred tax liabilities | 2300 | 2101 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net deferred tax liabilities | $1609 | $1502 |
| **CERC** |  |  |
| Deferred tax assets: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefits and compensation | $14 | $17 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory liabilities | 127 | 150 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss and credit carryforwards | 564 | 694 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Asset retirement obligations | 59 | 82 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 196 | 122 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Valuation allowance | (28) | (25) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total deferred tax assets | 932 | 1040 |
| Deferred tax liabilities: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Property, plant and equipment | 1871 | 1883 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory assets | 467 | 513 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 20 | 14 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total deferred tax liabilities | 2358 | 2410 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net deferred tax liabilities | $1426 | $1370 |

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*Tax Attribute Carryforwards and Valuation Allowance*. As of December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy had (i) federal NOL carryforwards of $3.3 billion, which have an indefinite carryforward period; (ii) federal charitable contribution carryforwards of $63 million, which expire beginning in 2028; (iii) federal corporate alternative minimum tax carryforwards of $201 million, which have an indefinite carryforward period; (iv) $2 billion of gross state NOL carryforwards, which expire beginning in 2029; and (v) $1 million of state tax credits, net of valuation allowance, which expire beginning in 2032.

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CenterPoint Energy reported a valuation allowance against certain state NOL and credit carryforwards because it is more likely than not that the benefit will not be realized.

As of December 31, 2025, Houston Electric had (i) federal NOL carryforwards of $1.9 billion, which have an indefinite carryforward period; and (ii) federal corporate alternative minimum tax carryforwards of $96 million, which have an indefinite carryforward period.

As of December 31, 2025, CERC had (i) federal NOL carryforwards of $1.5 billion, which have an indefinite carryforward period; (ii) federal corporate alternative minimum tax carryforwards of $152 million, which have an indefinite carryforward period; and (iii) $927 million of gross state NOL carryforwards, which expire beginning in 2029.

A reconciliation of CenterPoint Energy's beginning and ending balance of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, are as follows for the periods presented:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Balance, beginning of year | $25 | $25 | $26 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lapse of statute of limitations | (8) |  | (1) |
| Balance, end of year | $17 | $25 | $25 |

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As of December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy reported net unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest, of $24 million, which were included in Other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Included in the balance of uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2025 were $17 million of tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. The Registrants recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as income tax expense. The above table does not include $7 million of accrued penalties and interest as of December 31, 2025.

*Tax Audits and Settlements*. Tax years through 2022 have been audited and settled with the IRS for CenterPoint Energy. For tax years 2023, 2024 and 2025, the Registrants are participants in the IRS's Compliance Assurance Process.

*Income Taxes Payments and Refunds*. For income taxes paid or refunds received for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, see Note 17.

**(14) Commitments and Contingencies** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(a) Purchase Obligations (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)***

Commitments include minimum purchase obligations related to CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's Natural Gas reportable segment and CenterPoint Energy's Electric reportable segment. Contracts with minimum payment obligations have various quantity requirements and durations and are not classified as non-trading derivative assets and liabilities in CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 because these contracts meet an exception as "normal purchases contracts" or do not meet the definition of a derivative. Natural gas supply commitments also include transportation contracts that do not meet the definition of a derivative.

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As of December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy and CERC had the following undiscounted minimum purchase obligations:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **CERC** |
| | **Natural Gas Supply** | **Electric Supply (1)** | **Other (2)**  | **Natural Gas Supply** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| 2026 | $689 | $131 | $158 | $684 |
| 2027 | 591 | 157 | 198 | 587 |
| 2028 | 546 | 98 | 137 | 542 |
| 2029 | 526 | 96 | 8 | 522 |
| 2030 | 484 | 80 | 117 | 480 |
| Thereafter | 1344 | 1574 | 1 | 1322 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $4180 | $2136 | $619 | $4137 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Primarily related to PPAs with commitments ranging from 20 years to 27 years.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)Primarily related to technology hardware and software agreements.

Excluded from the table above are estimates for cash outlays from other PPAs through Indiana Electric that do not have minimum thresholds but require payment when energy is generated by the provider. Costs arising from certain of these commitments are pass-through costs, generally collected dollar-for-dollar from retail customers through regulator-approved cost recovery mechanisms.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(b) Guarantees (CenterPoint Energy)***

CenterPoint Energy recognizes guarantee obligations at fair value. CenterPoint Energy discloses parent company guarantees of a subsidiary's obligation when that guarantee results in the exposure of a material obligation of the parent company even if the probability of fulfilling such obligation is considered remote.

On May 21, 2023, CenterPoint Energy, through Vectren Energy Services, entered into the Equity Purchase Agreement to sell Energy Systems Group. The sale closed on June 30, 2023. See Note 4 for further information.

In the normal course of business prior to the consummation of the transaction on June 30, 2023, CenterPoint Energy, primarily through Vectren, issued parent company level guarantees supporting Energy Systems Group's obligations. When Energy Systems Group was wholly-owned by CenterPoint Energy, these guarantees did not represent incremental consolidated obligations, but rather, these guarantees represented guarantees of Energy Systems Group's obligations to allow it to conduct business without posting other forms of assurance. For those obligations where potential exposure can be estimated, management estimated the maximum exposure under these guarantees to be approximately $434 million as of December 31, 2025 and expects the exposure to decrease pro rata. This exposure primarily relates to energy savings guarantees on federal energy savings performance contracts. Other parent company level guarantees, certain of which do not contain a cap on potential liability, were issued prior to the sale of Energy Systems Group in support of federal operations and maintenance projects for which a maximum exposure cannot be estimated based on the nature of the projects.

Under the terms of the Equity Purchase Agreement, ESG Holdings Group must generally use reasonable best efforts to replace existing CenterPoint Energy guarantees with credit support provided by a party other than CenterPoint Energy as of and after the closing of the transaction. The Equity Purchase Agreement also requires certain protections to be provided for any damages incurred by CenterPoint Energy in relation to these guarantees not released by closing. No additional guarantees were provided by CenterPoint Energy in favor of Energy Systems Group subsequent to the closing of the sale on June 30, 2023.

While there can be no assurance that performance under any of these parent company guarantees will not be required in the future, CenterPoint Energy considers the likelihood of a material amount being incurred to be remote. CenterPoint Energy believes that, from Energy Systems Group's inception in 1994 to the closing of the sale of Energy Systems Group on June 30, 2023, Energy Systems Group had a history of generally meeting its performance obligations and energy savings guarantees and its installed products operated effectively. CenterPoint Energy recorded no amounts on its Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 related to its obligation under the outstanding guarantees.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***(c) Legal, Environmental and Other Matters***

***Legal Matters***

*Litigation Related to Hurricane Beryl.* Various federal, state and local governmental and regulatory agencies and other entities called for or conducted inquiries and investigations into Hurricane Beryl, the efforts made by Houston Electric to prepare for, and respond to, this event, including the electric service outage issues, and the procurement of TEEEF. Moreover, additional governmental and regulatory agencies and other entities may conduct such inquiries and investigations. Ongoing and future inquiries, investigations and proposed legislation regarding Hurricane Beryl could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including with respect to our recovery of costs incurred as a result of Hurricane Beryl or future severe weather events; the assessment of financial penalties; changes to Houston Electric's system, service territories, operations and/or regulatory treatment; and the viability for Houston Electric to continue leasing TEEEF. Further, on January 22, 2025, a putative shareholder of CenterPoint Energy, Donel Davidson, filed a derivative petition in Harris County District Court, Texas, alleging breach of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment on behalf of CenterPoint Energy against certain of its current and former directors and officers citing, in part, the topics of these inquiries and investigations. The action seeks to recover damages and other relief from the defendants on behalf of CenterPoint Energy. The action was removed to the Texas Business Courts, and on June 18, 2025, the parties filed an agreed upon stipulation to stay the case, which was approved by the court on June 24, 2025. As of December 31, 2025, the case remains stayed. Additionally, on February 12, 2025, a second putative shareholder of CenterPoint Energy made a demand on the Board to investigate the same basic allegations raised in the derivative petition filed by Donel Davidson.

CenterPoint Energy, CenterPoint Energy Service Company, LLC and Houston Electric are subject to current and potential future litigation and claims arising out of Hurricane Beryl, which litigation and claims could include allegations of, among other things, personal injury, wrongful death, property damage, various economic losses in connection with loss of power, unlawful business practices, and others. Following Hurricane Beryl, several putative class actions were filed against CenterPoint Energy and/or Houston Electric in the District Courts of Harris County, Texas, on behalf of individuals or entities who claim losses due to power outages lasting at least 48 hours as a result of Hurricane Beryl, such actions consisting of the following proposed classes: (1) all restaurants in Harris County, Galveston County, and Montgomery County; (2) all residential customers; and (3) all health, wellness, medical and beauty facilities in Harris County. These putative classes asserted claims and theories of negligence, gross negligence, nuisance, fraud, and/or violation of Houston Electric's tariff for retail delivery service, and each seeks damages in excess of $100 million for, among other things, business interruption, property damage and loss, cost of repair, loss of use and market value, lost income, nuisance, extreme mental anguish and/or punitive damages. On July 30, 2025, the plaintiffs in the putative class action on behalf of all residential customers nonsuited without prejudice all claims and causes of action. In addition, the plaintiffs in the other two putative class actions have amended their petitions to remove all class action allegations and assert claims of negligence, gross negligence, nuisance and/or intentional misconduct. One of those lawsuits is brought by approximately 220 individually named plaintiffs, and the other lawsuit includes approximately 50 individually named plaintiffs. Several individual actions have also been filed in Harris County District Courts asserting claims of negligence, negligence per se, negligent undertaking and/or gross negligence against CenterPoint Energy, CenterPoint Energy Service Company, LLC and/or Houston Electric. Certain plaintiffs in these actions allege personal injury or property damage and seek damages in excess of $1 million. These cases have been transferred to the designated MDL pretrial court. CenterPoint Energy, CenterPoint Energy Service Company, LLC and/or Houston Electric filed dispositive motions in the two former putative class action cases and certain of the individual actions. On December 1, 2025, the MDL pretrial court granted Houston Electric's dispositive motion in one of the individual actions brought by a business alleging losses due to a power outage following Hurricane Beryl. On January 28, 2026, the MDL pretrial court denied dispositive motions filed by CenterPoint Energy, CenterPoint Energy Service Company, LLC and/or Houston Electric in individual actions alleging personal injury or property damage. Houston Electric filed notices of appeal of these orders. The remaining dispositive motions that have been filed are set for hearing by the MDL pretrial court on February 23, 2026. CenterPoint Energy, CenterPoint Energy Service Company, LLC and Houston Electric intend to vigorously defend themselves against the lawsuits. CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries have general and excess liability insurance policies that provide coverage for third party bodily injury and property damage claims. Given the nature of some allegations, certain insurers have disputed, and more insurers may dispute, coverage for some types of claims or damages that have been or may in the future be alleged by plaintiffs. For example, CenterPoint Energy has received from two insurers denials of indemnity coverage in the cases arising out of power outages based on the failure to supply exclusion, and those insurers have also reserved their rights with respect to coverage in those actions. CenterPoint Energy, CenterPoint Energy Service Company, LLC and Houston Electric intend to continue to pursue all available insurance coverage for all of these matters. To date, there have not been demands, quantification, disclosure or discovery of damages by any party to any of the above legal matters that are sufficient to enable CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries to estimate exposure. Given that, as well as the preliminary nature of the proceedings, the number of parties and complexity of issues involved, and the uncertainties of litigation, CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries are unable to predict the outcome or

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consequences of any of the foregoing matters or to estimate a range of potential losses. For more information regarding Hurricane Beryl, see Note 7.

*Litigation Related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event.* Various legal proceedings are still pending against numerous entities with respect to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, including against CenterPoint Energy, Utility Holding, Houston Electric, and CERC. Like other Texas energy companies and TDUs, CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric have become involved in certain investigations, litigation and other regulatory and legal proceedings regarding their efforts to restore power during the storm and their compliance with NERC, ERCOT and PUCT rules and directives. Additionally, like other natural gas market participants, CERC has been named in litigation alleging gas market manipulation.

CenterPoint Energy, Utility Holding and Houston Electric, along with hundreds of other defendants (including ERCOT, power generation companies, other TDUs, natural gas producers, REPs, and other entities) received claims and lawsuits filed by plaintiffs alleging wrongful death, personal injury, property damage and other injuries and damages. As of December 31, 2025, there were approximately 220 pending lawsuits that are consolidated in Texas state court in Harris County, Texas, as part of the MDL proceeding related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, and CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric, along with numerous other entities, have been named as defendants in approximately 150 of those lawsuits. The plaintiffs in the lawsuits asserted negligence, gross negligence and nuisance causes of action, among others, against CenterPoint Energy, Utility Holding and Houston Electric. Following the filing of dispositive motions under Rule 91a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure in five representative or "bellwether" cases in the MDL proceeding and related mandamus proceedings in the court of appeals and the Supreme Court of Texas, the plaintiffs' claims against CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric have been dismissed with the exception of the plaintiffs' gross negligence claims. With respect to the plaintiffs' gross negligence claims, the Supreme Court of Texas concluded that the plaintiffs should be given the opportunity to replead those claims. Following issuance of the decision of the Supreme Court of Texas on September 11, 2025, the MDL judge issued an order with a January 9, 2026 deadline for the plaintiffs to replead their gross negligence claims and a schedule for the TDUs to file certain dispositive motions in response. As of the date of filing this Form 10-K, most of the plaintiffs have filed amended petitions. The claims against Utility Holding have been dismissed in light of the judge's initial rulings on the Rule 91a dispositive motions. The TDUs (including Houston Electric) also filed a motion to dismiss under Chapter 150 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code in one of the bellwether cases and argued that all of plaintiffs' claims should be dismissed because the plaintiffs did not include a sufficient certificate of merit by a qualified engineer with their petition, as required by Texas law. On November 13, 2024, the MDL judge granted the TDUs' motion to dismiss under Chapter 150, and on December 3, 2024, the plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal of that ruling. Briefing in this appellate proceeding is complete. Aside from the filing of amended pleadings and certain dispositive motions in response, all litigation otherwise remains stayed in the MDL. CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric intend to vigorously defend themselves against the remaining claims.

In February 2023, multiple lawsuits were filed in state district court in Harris County and Tom Green County, Texas, against dozens of gas market participants in Texas, including natural gas producers, processors, pipelines, marketers, sellers, traders, gas utilities, and financial institutions. Plaintiffs named CERC as a defendant, along with "CenterPoint Energy Services, Inc.," incorrectly identifying it as CERC's parent company (CenterPoint Energy previously divested CenterPoint Energy Services, Inc.). There are two main remaining lawsuits—one filed in Harris County and one in Tom Green County—which were brought by an entity that purports to be an assignee of the claims of tens of thousands of persons and entities. These suits generally allege that the defendants engaged in gas market manipulation, including by intentionally withholding, suppressing, or diverting supplies of natural gas in connection with the February 2021 Winter Storm Event. Plaintiffs allege that this manipulation impacted gas supply and prices and caused blackouts and other damage. Plaintiffs assert claims for tortious interference with existing contract, private nuisance, and unjust enrichment. The lawsuits do not specify the amount of damages sought, but seek broad categories of actual, compensatory, consequential economic, and punitive damages; restitution and disgorgement; pre- and post-judgment interest; costs and attorneys' fees; and other relief. All of these lawsuits have been transferred to the existing MDL proceeding referenced above. These gas market cases are in addition to the 220 cases noted above regarding electric market issues.

CERC has vigorously defended itself against the claims raised in the gas market cases. On February 2, 2024, CERC filed pleas to the jurisdiction in the three cases in which it was served on February 2, 2024 and again on May 17, 2024; CERC also partially joined the other defendants' motions to dismiss and additional pleas to the jurisdiction. On November 7, 2024 and November 11, 2024, the MDL judge granted defendants' motion to dismiss and CERC's plea to the jurisdiction in all three cases. As a result of these rulings, all claims against CERC were dismissed with prejudice. Plaintiffs have appealed these rulings, and the appeals have been assigned to the Court of Appeals for the First District of Texas. One of the three cases against CERC was a putative class action, but that case has been dismissed. On January 17, 2025, the plaintiffs in the putative class action case filed an unopposed motion to dismiss their appeal, which the Court of Appeals granted on February 4, 2025. CERC is still a defendant in two remaining cases. The parties have completed their briefing for the Court of Appeals for the First District of Texas and await a ruling.

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To date, there have not been demands, quantification, disclosure or discovery of damages by any party to any of the above legal matters that are sufficient to enable CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries to estimate exposure. Given that, as well as the preliminary nature of the proceedings, the number of parties and complexity of issues involved, and the uncertainties of litigation, CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries are unable to predict the outcome or consequences of any of the foregoing matters or to estimate a range of potential losses. CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries have general and excess liability insurance policies that provide coverage for third party bodily injury and property damage claims. As CenterPoint Energy previously noted, given the nature of certain of the plaintiffs' allegations, insurance coverage may not be available other than for third party bodily injury and property damage claims caused by an accident, and one of CenterPoint Energy's insurers has reserved its rights with respect to coverage for plaintiffs' claims in the gas market cases. CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries intend to continue to pursue all available insurance coverage for all of these matters.

*Jefferson Parish*. Several parishes and the State of Louisiana filed 42 suits under Louisiana's State and Local Coastal Resources Management Act against hundreds of oil and gas companies seeking compensatory damages for contamination and erosion of the Louisiana coastline allegedly caused by historical oil and gas operations. One of the defendants in one of the lawsuits (filed in 2013 by the Parish of Jefferson) is Primary Fuels, Inc., a predecessor company of CenterPoint Energy, which operated in the oilfield at issue in the case from 1983-1989. All 42 suits were removed to Louisiana federal courts twice and were stayed for several years pending the federal courts' consideration of various motions to remand and multiple appeals of remand orders. Several cases involving other parishes were remanded to Louisiana state court. To date, two of the 42 suits have substantially progressed in state court. The first case, *Cameron Parish v. Auster Oil & Gas, Inc., et al.*, settled shortly before trial on confidential terms. The second case, *Plaquemines Parish v. Rozel Operating Co., et al*., was tried against one defendant, Chevron Corporation, and on April 4, 2025, the jury returned a verdict of $744.6 million. Before final judgment was entered, the *Rozel* case was stayed until the United States Supreme Court rules on the merits of a jurisdictional issue in a related case that does not include Primary Fuels, Inc. As of December 31, 2025, the federal district court had not ruled on Jefferson Parish's motion to remand to state court the lawsuit which includes Primary Fuels, Inc. among the defendants. The timing of further progress in the Jefferson Parish case is uncertain and dependent in part on the court's ruling on the motion to remand and further developments in other related cases.

Because of the procedurally preliminary nature of the proceedings in the case in which Primary Fuels, Inc. is a defendant, lack of information about both the scope of and damages for Jefferson Parish's claim against Primary Fuels, Inc., the number of parties and complexity of issues involved, and the uncertainties of litigation, CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries are unable to predict the outcome or consequences of this matter or to estimate a range of potential losses. CenterPoint Energy intends to continue to vigorously defend itself against the claims raised and pursue any and all available insurance coverage.

***Environmental Matters***

*MGP Sites.* CenterPoint Energy, CERC and their predecessors, including predecessors of Vectren, operated MGPs in the past. The costs CenterPoint Energy or CERC, as applicable, expect to incur to fulfill their respective obligations are estimated by management using assumptions based on actual costs incurred, the timing of expected future payments and inflation factors, among others. While CenterPoint Energy and CERC have recorded obligations for all costs which are probable and estimable, including amounts they are presently obligated to incur in connection with activities at these sites, it is possible that future events may require remedial activities which are not presently foreseen, and those costs may not be subject to PRP or insurance recovery.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)*Minnesota MGPs (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)*. With respect to certain Minnesota MGP sites, CenterPoint Energy and CERC have completed state-ordered remediation and continue state-ordered monitoring and water treatment. CenterPoint Energy and CERC recorded a liability as reflected in the table below for continued monitoring and any future remediation required by regulators in Minnesota.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)*Indiana MGPs (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)*. In the Indiana Gas service territory, the existence, location and certain general characteristics of 26 gas manufacturing and storage sites have been identified for which CenterPoint Energy and CERC may have some remedial responsibility. A remedial investigation/feasibility study was completed at one of the sites under an agreed upon order between Indiana Gas and the IDEM, and a Record of Decision was issued by the IDEM in January 2000. The remaining sites have been submitted to the IDEM's VRP. CenterPoint Energy has also identified its involvement in five manufactured gas plant sites in SIGECO's service territory, all of which are currently enrolled in the IDEM's VRP. CenterPoint Energy is currently conducting some level of remedial activities, including groundwater monitoring at certain sites.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)*Other MGPs (CenterPoint Energy and CERC).* In addition to the Minnesota and Indiana sites, the EPA and other regulators have investigated MGP sites that were owned or operated by CenterPoint Energy or CERC or may have been owned by one of their former affiliates.

Total costs that may be incurred in connection with addressing these sites cannot be determined at this time. The estimated accrued costs are limited to CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's share of the remediation efforts and are therefore net of exposures of other PRPs. The estimated range of possible remediation costs for the sites for which CenterPoint Energy and CERC believe they may have responsibility was based on remediation continuing for the minimum time frame given in the table below:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions, except years)** | **(in millions, except years)** |
| Amount accrued for remediation | $13 | $11 |
| Minimum estimated remediation costs | 9 | 7 |
| Maximum estimated remediation costs | 48 | 41 |
| Minimum years of remediation | 5 | 5 |
| Maximum years of remediation | 50 | 50 |

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The cost estimates are based on studies of a site or industry average costs for remediation of sites of similar size. The actual remediation costs will depend on the number of sites to be remediated, the participation of other PRPs, if any, and the remediation methods used.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC do not expect the ultimate outcome of these matters to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of either CenterPoint Energy or CERC.

*Asbestos.* Some facilities owned by the Registrants or their predecessors contain or have contained asbestos insulation and other asbestos-containing materials. The Registrants are from time to time named, along with numerous others, as defendants in lawsuits filed by a number of individuals who claim injury due to exposure to asbestos, and the Registrants anticipate that additional claims may be asserted in the future. Although their ultimate outcome cannot be predicted at this time, the Registrants do not expect these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on their financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

*CCR Rule (CenterPoint Energy).* In April 2015, the EPA finalized the CCR Rule. The final rule allows beneficial reuse of ash, and a portion of the ash generated by Indiana Electric's generating plants will continue to be reused.

Indiana Electric historically operated three ash ponds, two at the F.B. Culley facility (Culley East and Culley West) and one at the A.B. Brown facility. Under the CCR Rule, Indiana Electric is required to perform integrity assessments, including ground water monitoring, at its F.B. Culley and A.B. Brown generating stations. Pursuant to the CCR Rule, both the Culley East and A.B. Brown facilities were taken out of service in a timely manner per the commitments made to the EPA in the extension requests filed for both ponds. On April 24, 2019, Indiana Electric received an order from the IURC approving recovery in rates of costs associated with the closure of the Culley West pond, which has already completed closure activities. On August 14, 2019, Indiana Electric filed its petition with the IURC for recovery of costs associated with the closure of the A.B. Brown ash pond, which would include costs associated with the excavation and recycling of ponded ash. This petition was subsequently approved by the IURC on May 13, 2020. On October 28, 2020, the IURC approved Indiana Electric's ECA proceeding, which included the initiation of recovery of the federally mandated project costs.

On November 1, 2022, Indiana Electric filed for a CPCN to recover federally mandated costs associated with closure of the Culley East Pond, its third and final ash pond. Indiana Electric sought accounting and ratemaking relief for the project, and on June 8, 2023, Indiana Electric filed a revised CPCN for recovery of the federally mandated ash pond costs. On February 7, 2024 the IURC approved the federally mandated costs, both incurred and projected, of $52 million in capital costs, plus an estimated $133,000 in annual operation and maintenance expenses, for recovery through the ECA. Following approval of its most recent rate case, this project is now being recovered through base rates.

As of December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy had recorded an approximate $175 million ARO, which represents the discounted value of future cash flow estimates to close the ponds at A.B. Brown and F.B. Culley. This estimate is subject to change due to the contractual arrangements; continued assessments of the ash, closure methods, and the timing of closure; implications of Indiana Electric's generation transition plan; changing environmental regulations; and proceeds received from

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the settlements in a previously settled insurance proceedings. In addition to these AROs, Indiana Electric also anticipates equipment purchases of between $60 million and $80 million to complete the A.B. Brown closure project.

On April 25, 2024, the EPA released its final Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System; Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals from Electric Utilities; Legacy CCR Surface Impoundments rule (CCR Legacy Rule), which was published in the Federal Register in May 2024. The CCR Legacy Rule requires companies to investigate previously closed impoundments that were used historically for ash disposal or locations which have had ash placed on them in amounts set forth in the CCR Legacy Rule. The Registrants have completed their preliminary review of potential sites that will require further investigation under the CCR Legacy Rule and identified certain sites in Indiana for further evaluation. During 2024, Indiana Electric recorded an approximate $11 million ARO with a corresponding increase of $11 million to Property, plant and equipment for amounts recoverable for electric generation stations that are currently in service. These estimates reflect the discounted value of future estimated capping costs for an area of historic ash placement at F.B. Culley. Indiana Electric will continue to refine the assumptions, engineering analyses and resulting cost estimates associated with this ARO and such refinement could materially impact the amount of the estimated ARO.

*Clean Water Act Permitting and Power Plant Discharges*. In 2015, the EPA finalized revisions to the existing steam electric wastewater discharge standards which set more stringent wastewater discharge limits and effectively prohibited further wet disposal of coal ash in ash ponds. In February 2019, the IURC approved Indiana Electric's Effluent Limitation Guidelines Compliance Plan for its F.B. Culley Generating Station, which was completed in compliance with the requirements of the Effluent Limitation Guidelines. On April 25, 2024, the EPA released its final Supplemental Effluent Limitation Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Generating Point Source Category. On December 31, 2025, the EPA published a final rule extending various deadlines and other provisions of the 2024 Supplemental Effluent Limitation Guidelines. The Registrants currently anticipate that they will be in compliance with the Supplemental Effluent Limitation Guidelines at the Culley facility due to previous wastewater treatment upgrades.

*Other Environmental.* From time to time, the Registrants identify the presence of environmental contaminants during operations or on property where their predecessors have conducted operations. Other such sites involving contaminants may be identified in the future. The Registrants have and expect to continue to remediate any identified sites consistent with state and federal legal obligations. From time to time, the Registrants have received notices, and may receive notices in the future, from regulatory authorities or others regarding status as a PRP in connection with sites found to require remediation due to the presence of environmental contaminants. In addition, the Registrants have been, or may be, named from time to time as defendants in litigation related to such sites. Although the ultimate outcome of such matters cannot be predicted at this time, the Registrants do not expect these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on their financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

***Other Proceedings***

The Registrants are involved in other legal, environmental, tax and regulatory proceedings before various courts, regulatory commissions and governmental agencies regarding matters arising in the ordinary course of business. From time to time, the Registrants are also defendants in legal proceedings with respect to claims brought by various plaintiffs against broad groups of participants in the energy industry. Some of these proceedings involve substantial amounts. The Registrants regularly analyze current information and, as necessary, provide accruals for probable and reasonably estimable liabilities on the eventual disposition of these matters. The Registrants do not expect the disposition of these matters to have a material adverse effect on the Registrants' financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

**(15) Earnings Per Share (CenterPoint Energy)** 

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Participating securities are excluded from weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the computation of basic earnings per common share. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, including all potentially dilutive common shares, if the effect of such common shares is dilutive.

Diluted earnings per common share reflects the dilutive effect of potential common shares from share-based awards. The dilutive effect of restricted stock is computed using the if-converted method, which assumes conversion of the restricted stock at the beginning of the period. The dilutive effect of restricted stock is computed using the treasury stock method, as applicable, which includes the incremental shares that would be hypothetically vested in excess of the number of shares assumed to be hypothetically repurchased with the assumed proceeds.

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Until settlement of the equity forwards executed in April 2025 and May 2025 as further described in Note 11, dilutive earnings per common share reflects the dilutive impact of potential issuances of shares of Common Stock associated with the outstanding equity forwards. The dilutive effect of equity forwards is determined under the treasury stock method. Share dilution occurs when the average market price of Common Stock is higher than the forward sales price at the end of the reporting period.

Diluted earnings per common share will also reflect the dilutive effect of potential conversions of our convertible notes into shares of Common Stock. Convertible debt in which the principal amount must be settled in cash is excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share. There would be no interest expense adjustment to the numerator for the cash-settled portion of the convertible notes because that portion will always be settled in cash. The conversion spread value in shares will be included in diluted earnings per common share using the if-converted method if the average market price of Common Stock is higher than the conversion price. The denominator of diluted earnings per common share is determined by dividing the conversion spread value of the share-settled portion of the convertible notes as of the reporting date by the average share price over the reporting period. For further details on the convertible notes, see Note 12.

The following table reconciles numerators and denominators of CenterPoint Energy's basic and diluted earnings per common share for the periods presented:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions, except per share and share amounts)** | **(in millions, except per share and share amounts)** | **(in millions, except per share and share amounts)** |
| **Numerator:** |  |  |  |
| Net income | $1052 | $1019 | $917 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Less: Preferred stock dividend requirement |  |  | 50 |
| Income available to common shareholders - basic and diluted | $1052 | $1019 | $867 |
| **Denominator:** |  |  |  |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic | 652671000 | 643163000 | 630947000 |
| Plus: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Restricted stock | 1938000 | 974000 | 2232000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Equity forwards | 1000000 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Convertible notes (1) | 41000 |  |  |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted | 655650000 | 644137000 | 633179000 |
| **Earnings per Common Share:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Basic | $1.61 | $1.58 | $1.37 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted | $1.60 | $1.58 | $1.37 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Related to the 2026 Convertible Notes.

**(16) Reportable Segments** 

The Registrants' determination of reportable segments considers the strategic operating units under which its CODM manages sales, allocates resources and assesses performance of various products and services to wholesale or retail customers in differing regulatory environments.

As of December 31, 2025, reportable segments by Registrant and information about each Registrant's CODM were as follows:

**CenterPoint Energy**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• CenterPoint Energy's Electric reportable segment consisted of (i) electric transmission and distribution services in the Texas Gulf Coast area in the ERCOT region; (ii) electric transmission and distribution services primarily to southwestern Indiana, and (iii) power generation and wholesale power operations in the MISO region.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• CenterPoint Energy's Natural Gas reportable segment following the closing of the sale of the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses on March 31, 2025 consisted of (i) intrastate natural gas sales to, and natural gas transportation and distribution for, residential, commercial and industrial customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas; and (ii) permanent pipeline connections through interconnects with various interstate and intrastate pipeline

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companies through CEIP. On October 20, 2025, CenterPoint Energy, through CERC Corp., entered into the Ohio Securities Purchase Agreement to sell all of the issued and outstanding equity interests in CEOH. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. For further information, see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• CenterPoint Energy's Corporate and Other reportable segment consisted of energy performance contracting and sustainable infrastructure services by Energy Systems Group through June 30, 2023, the date of the sale of Energy Systems Group, and corporate support operations that support all of CenterPoint Energy's business operations. CenterPoint Energy's Corporate and Other also includes office buildings and other real estate used for business operations.

CenterPoint Energy's CODM, the President and Chief Executive Officer, evaluates performance for all of its reportable segments based on segment net income. The CODM uses segment net income to allocate resources as part of the budgeting and forecasting process as well as during periodic budget-to-actual reviews.

**Houston Electric**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Houston Electric's single reportable segment consisted of electric transmission services to transmission service customers in the ERCOT region and distribution service to REPs serving the Texas Gulf Coast area that includes the city of Houston.

Houston Electric's CODM, the President and Chief Executive Officer, evaluates performance for its single reportable segment based on segment net income. The CODM uses segment net income to allocate resources as part of the budgeting and forecasting process as well as during periodic budget-to-actual reviews.

**CERC**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** CERC's single reportable segment following the closing of the sale of the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses on March 31, 2025 consisted of (i) intrastate natural gas sales to, and natural gas transportation and distribution for, residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas; and (ii) permanent pipeline connections through interconnects with various interstate and intrastate pipeline companies through CEIP. On October 20, 2025, CenterPoint Energy, through CERC Corp., entered into the Ohio Securities Purchase Agreement to sell all of the issued and outstanding equity interests in CEOH. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. For further information, see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

CERC's CODM, the President and Chief Executive Officer, evaluates performance for its single reportable segment based on segment net income. The CODM uses segment net income to allocate resources as part of the budgeting and forecasting process as well as during periodic budget-to-actual reviews.

Expenditures for long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment. Intersegment sales are eliminated in consolidation, except as described in Note 1.

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Financial data for reportable segments is as follows for the periods presented:

**CenterPoint Energy** 

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** |
| | **Electric** | **Natural Gas** | **Corporate and Other** | **Total Reportable Segments** | **Eliminations** | **Total** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Revenues from external customers | $4866 | $4483 | $8 | $9357 | $— | $9357 |
| Intersegment revenues |  | 3 |  | 3 | (3) |  |
| Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power | 270 | 1846 |  | 2116 | (3) | 2113 |
| Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas |  | 4 |  | 4 |  | 4 |
| Operation and maintenance expenses | 2084 | 931 | 9 | 3024 |  | 3024 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 946 | 563 | 21 | 1530 |  | 1530 |
| Taxes other than income taxes | 321 | 245 | 10 | 576 |  | 576 |
| Interest expense and other finance charges | 445 | 208 | 282 | 935 | (32) | 903 |
| Interest income (1) | (15) | (11) | (17) | (43) | 32 | (11) |
| Other expense (income), net (2) | (62) | 33 |  | (29) |  | (29) |
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 172 | 97 | (74) | 195 |  | 195 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net income (loss) | $705 | $570 | $(223) | $1052 | $— | $1052 |

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** |
| | **Electric** | **Natural Gas** | **Corporate and Other** | **Total Reportable Segments** | **Eliminations** | **Total** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Revenues from external customers | $4590 | $4048 | $5 | $8643 | $— | $8643 |
| Intersegment revenues |  | 2 |  | 2 | (2) |  |
| Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power | 198 | 1520 | (1) | 1717 | (2) | 1715 |
| Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas |  | 3 |  | 3 |  | 3 |
| Operation and maintenance expenses | 2072 | 881 | (4) | 2949 |  | 2949 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 877 | 542 | 20 | 1439 |  | 1439 |
| Taxes other than income taxes | 304 | 237 | 6 | 547 |  | 547 |
| Interest expense and other finance charges | 372 | 207 | 286 | 865 | (27) | 838 |
| Interest income (1) | (18) | (2) | (14) | (34) | 27 | (7) |
| Other income, net (2) | (43) | (12) |  | (55) |  | (55) |
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 157 | 108 | (70) | 195 |  | 195 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net income (loss) | $671 | $566 | $(218) | $1019 | $— | $1019 |

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31, 2023** | **Year Ended December 31, 2023** | **Year Ended December 31, 2023** | **Year Ended December 31, 2023** | **Year Ended December 31, 2023** | **Year Ended December 31, 2023** |
| | **Electric** | **Natural Gas** | **Corporate and Other** | **Total Reportable Segments** | **Eliminations** | **Total** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Revenues from external customers | $4290 | $4276 | $130 | $8696 | $— | $8696 |
| Intersegment revenues |  | 3 |  | 3 | (3) |  |
| Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power | 176 | 1888 |  | 2064 | (3) | 2061 |
| Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas |  | 3 | 96 | 99 |  | 99 |
| Operation and maintenance expenses | 1880 | 949 | 21 | 2850 |  | 2850 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 872 | 513 | 16 | 1401 |  | 1401 |
| Taxes other than income taxes | 272 | 245 | 8 | 525 |  | 525 |
| Interest expense and other finance charges | 303 | 188 | 264 | 755 | (54) | 701 |
| Interest income (1) | (19) | (10) | (34) | (63) | 54 | (9) |
| Other expense (income), net (2) | (37) | (5) | 23 | (19) |  | (19) |
| Income tax expense (benefit) | $189 | $(25) | $6 | $170 | $— | $170 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net income (loss) | $654 | $533 | $(270) | $917 | $— | $917 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Interest income from Securitization Bonds of $1 million, $3 million, and $4 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, is included in Other income (expense), net on CenterPoint Energy's Statements of Consolidated Income.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Other income (expense), net primarily includes AFUDC equity, non-service cost for pension and postretirement benefits, Gain (loss) on equity securities, Gain (loss) on indexed debt securities and Gain (loss) on sale.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Total Assets** | **Total Assets** | **Expenditures for Long-lived Assets** | **Expenditures for Long-lived Assets** | **Expenditures for Long-lived Assets** |
| | **As of December 31,**  | **As of December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Electric | $26649 | $23936 | $3683 | $3099 | $2660 |
| Natural Gas | 18405 | 18583 | 1657 | 1524 | 1697 |
| Corporate and Other, net of eliminations (1) | 1480 | 1249 | 65 | 26 | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Consolidated | $46534 | $43768 | $5405 | $4649 | $4370 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Total assets included pension and other postemployment-related regulatory assets of $383 million and $384 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

**Houston Electric**

Houston Electric consists of a single reportable segment. For financial data related to income and expenses for the single reportable segment, see Houston Electric's Statements of Consolidated Income. For financial data related to segment total assets, see Houston Electric's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Financial data related to interest income and expenditures for long-lived assets is as follows for the periods presented:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Interest income (1) | $13 | $16 | $14 |
| Expenditures for long-lived assets | 2918 | 2738 | 2309 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Reflected in Other income (expense), net on Houston Electric's Statements of Consolidated Income.

**CERC**

------

CERC consists of a single reportable segment. For financial data related to income and expenses for the single reportable segment, see CERC's Statements of Consolidated Income. For financial data related to segment total assets, see CERC's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Financial data related to interest income and expenditures for long-lived assets is as follows for the periods presented:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Interest income (1) | $10 | $2 | $10 |
| Expenditures for long-lived assets | 1581 | 1485 | 1568 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Reflected in Other income (expense), net on CERC's Statements of Consolidated Income.

***Major Customers (Houston Electric)***

Houston Electric's revenues from major external customers are as follows for the periods presented:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Affiliates of NRG | $1229 | $1169 | $1106 |
| Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. | 693 | 605 | 539 |

---

***Revenues by Products and Services***

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Electric delivery | $4109 | $4084 | $— | $3963 | $3939 | $— | $3701 | $3677 | $— |
| Retail electric sales | 736 |  |  | 622 |  |  | 569 |  |  |
| Wholesale electric sales | 19 |  |  | 4 |  |  | 20 |  |  |
| Retail gas sales | 4266 |  | 4126 | 3837 |  | 3716 | 4078 |  | 3951 |
| Gas transportation | 11 |  | 11 | 11 |  | 11 | 11 |  | 11 |
| Energy products and services | 216 |  | 207 | 206 |  | 198 | 317 |  | 187 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $9357 | $4084 | $4344 | $8643 | $3939 | $3925 | $8696 | $3677 | $4149 |

---

------

**(17) Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow and Balance Sheet Information** 

***Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information***

The tables below provide supplemental disclosure of cash flow information for the periods presented:

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| **Cash Payments (Refunds):** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest, net of capitalized interest | $983 | $392 | $233 | $805 | $321 | $190 | $664 | $287 | $175 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal income taxes | $(1) | $— | $— | $(5) | $— | $— | $196 | $12 | $113 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana | (11) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Louisiana | (10) |  |  | (10) |  | 1 |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;New Mexico |  |  |  | (2) |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Texas | 8 | 18 | 2 | 10 | 26 | 2 | 15 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Minnesota | (4) |  | (5) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other states | (3) |  | (1) | (2) |  |  | 4 |  | 2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total income tax payments (refunds), net (1) | $(21) | $18 | $(4) | $(9) | $26 | $3 | $215 | $12 | $115 |
| **Non-cash transactions:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts payable related to capital expenditures | $492 | $367 | $126 | $467 | $381 | $103 | $246 | $166 | $74 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities (2) | $36 | $2 | $(1) | $18 | $— | $13 | $3 | 1 | $— |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) CenterPoint Energy's $215 million income tax payments in 2023 were attributable to recovery of extraordinary gas costs incurred in the February 2021 Winter Storm through the Railroad Commission ordered securitization.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Excludes ROU assets obtained through prepayment of the lease liabilities; see Note 19 for additional detail on ROU assets as of the periods presented. Amounts presented for CenterPoint Energy and CERC include ROU assets and lease liabilities derecognized as part of the sale of the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses on March 31, 2025; see Note 4 for additional detail on the transaction.

The table below provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the amount reported in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the periods presented:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Cash and cash equivalents (1) | $38 | $25 | $— | $24 | $14 | $2 |
| Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets (2) | 11 | 4 |  | 6 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows | $49 | $29 | $— | $30 | $14 | $2 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Cash and cash equivalents related to VIEs as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 included $34 million and $21 million, respectively, at CenterPoint Energy and $25 million and $14 million, respectively, at Houston Electric.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)Restricted cash primarily related to accounts established by CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric in connection with the issuance of the Securitization Bonds to collateralize the Securitization Bonds that were issued in these financing transactions. These restricted cash accounts are not available for withdrawal until the maturity of the Securitization Bonds.

------

***Supplemental Disclosure of Balance Sheet Information***

Included in other current liabilities on Houston Electric's Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $119 million and $85 million, respectively, of builder deposits. Included in other current liabilities on CERC's Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $80 million and $98 million, respectively, of credits related to customers on budget billing programs.

**(18) Related Party Transactions (Houston Electric and CERC)** 

Houston Electric and CERC participate in CenterPoint Energy's money pool through which they 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 as of the dates presented:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions, except interest rates)** | **(in millions, except interest rates)** | **(in millions, except interest rates)** | **(in millions, except interest rates)** |
| Money pool investments (borrowings) (1) | $(54) | $(291) | $368 | $— |
| Weighted average interest rate | 3.83% | 3.83% | 4.65% | —% |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Included in Accounts and notes payable–affiliated companies in Houston Electric's and CERC's respective Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025 and Accounts and notes receivable–affiliated companies in Houston Electric's Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024, as applicable.

Houston Electric and CERC affiliate-related transactions were as follows for the periods presented:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Interest income, net (1) | $1 | $7 | $9 | $2 | $2 | $10 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Interest income is included in Other, net on Houston Electric's and CERC's respective Statements of Consolidated Income.

CenterPoint Energy provides some corporate services to Houston Electric and CERC. The costs of services have been charged directly to Houston Electric and CERC using methods that management believes are reasonable. These methods include usage rates, dedicated asset assignment and proportionate corporate formulas based on operating expenses, assets, gross margin, employees and a composite of assets, gross margin and employees. Houston Electric provides certain services to CERC. These services are billed at actual cost, either directly or as an allocation and include fleet services, shop services, geographic services, surveying and right-of-way services, radio communications, data circuit management and field operations. Additionally, CERC provides certain services to Houston Electric. These services are billed at actual cost, either directly or as an allocation and include line locating and other miscellaneous services. These charges are not necessarily indicative of what would have been incurred had Houston Electric and CERC not been affiliates.

------

The table below presents amounts charged for these services, which are included primarily in Operation and maintenance expenses on Houston Electric's and CERC's respective Statements of Consolidated Income, for the periods presented:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Corporate service charges | $201 | $228 | $173 | $213 | $173 | $236 |
| Affiliate service charges (billings), net | (4) | 4 | (5) | 5 | (10) | 10 |

---

**(19) Leases** 

In 2021, Houston Electric entered into a temporary short-term lease and long-term leases for TEEEF. The short-term lease agreement expired on December 31, 2022. Effective January 1, 2023, all TEEEF assets were leased under the long-term lease agreement. Expenses associated with the short-term lease, including carrying costs, are deferred to a regulatory asset and totaled $78 million and $89 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

The long-term lease agreement includes up to 519 MW of TEEEF, all of which was delivered as of December 31, 2022, triggering lease commencement at delivery, with an initial term ending in 2029 for all TEEEF leases. The remaining finance lease liability associated with the commenced long-term TEEEF agreement was not significant as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 and relates to removal costs that will be incurred at the end of the lease term. As of December 31, 2025, Houston Electric had secured a first lien on all the assets leased under the prepayment agreement. For TEEEF units included within the rate-regulated utilities, expenses associated with the long-term lease, including variable costs associated with the operation and maintenance of the TEEEF assets, depreciation expense on the right of use asset and carrying costs, are deferred to a regulatory asset as a recoverable cost under the 2021 Texas legislation and totaled $123 million and $158 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. For further discussion of the regulatory impacts, see Note 7.

The components of lease cost, included in Operation and maintenance expense on the Registrants' respective Statements of Consolidated Income, are as follows for the periods presented:

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston <br>Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston <br>Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston <br>Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Operating lease cost | $8 | $3 | $2 | $6 | $3 | $2 | $6 | $3 | $2 |
| Short-term lease cost | 26 | 25 |  | 12 | 11 |  | 31 | 30 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total lease cost (1) | $34 | $28 | $2 | $18 | $14 | $2 | $37 | $33 | $2 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) For TEEEF units included within the rate-regulated utilities, CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric defer finance lease costs for TEEEF to Regulatory assets for recovery rather than to Depreciation and amortization in the Statements of Consolidated Income. For the year ended December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric recognized $59 million of finance lease cost within Depreciation and amortization in the Statements of Consolidated Income, which represents the period of time certain TEEEF units were not eligible for regulatory deferral.

The components of lease income were as follows for the periods presented:

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston <br>Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston <br>Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston <br>Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Operating lease income | $9 | $— | $6 | $7 | $— | $5 | $6 | $1 | $4 |
| Variable lease income | 1 |  |  | 1 |  |  | 2 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total lease income | $10 | $— | $6 | $8 | $— | $5 | $8 | $1 | $4 |

---

------

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows as of the dates presented:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston <br>Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston <br>Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operating ROU assets (1) | $61 | $5 | $14 | $27 | $5 | $15 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finance ROU assets (2) | 335 | 335 |  | 430 | 430 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total leased assets | $396 | $340 | $14 | $457 | $435 | $15 |
| Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Current operating lease liability (3) | $5 | $2 | $— | $3 | $1 | $1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-current operating lease liability (4) | 57 | 2 | 14 | 25 | 3 | 14 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total leased liabilities (5) | $62 | $4 | $14 | $28 | $4 | $15 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Included in Other assets in the Registrants' respective Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of accumulated amortization.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)Included in Property, Plant and Equipment in the Registrants' respective Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of accumulated amortization.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)Included in Other current liabilities in the Registrants' respective Consolidated Balance Sheets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4)Included in Other non-current liabilities in the Registrants' respective Consolidated Balance Sheets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5)Finance lease liabilities were not material as of December 31, 2025 or 2024.

As of the dates presented, the weighted-average remaining lease term and weighted-average discount rate for the Registrants' finance and operating leases were as follows:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston <br>Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston <br>Electric** | **CERC** |
| Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) - operating leases | 27.2 | 7.3 | 20.9 | 17.7 | 2.9 | 20.6 |
| Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases | 5.47% | 4.65% | 5.09% | 4.92% | 4.11% | 5.03% |
| Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) - finance leases | 3.5 | 3.5 |  | 4.5 | 4.5 |  |
| Weighted-average discount rate - finance leases | 3.60% | 3.60% |  | 3.60% | 3.60% |  |

---

As of December 31, 2025, finance lease liabilities were not significant to the Registrants. As of December 31, 2025, maturities of operating lease liabilities were as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **CenterPoint<br> Energy** | **Houston<br> Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| 2026 | $6 | $2 | $1 |
| 2027 | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| 2028 | 4 |  | 1 |
| 2029 | 4 |  | 1 |
| 2030 | 3 |  | 1 |
| Thereafter | 108 | 2 | 19 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total lease payments | 130 | 5 | 24 |
| Less: Interest | 68 | 1 | 10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Present value of lease liabilities | $62 | $4 | $14 |

---

------

As of December 31, 2025, future minimum finance lease payments to be received were not significant to the Registrants. As of December 31, 2025, maturities of undiscounted operating lease payments to be received were as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **CenterPoint<br> Energy** | **Houston<br> Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| 2026 | $9 | $— | $6 |
| 2027 | 9 |  | 7 |
| 2028 | 4 |  | 2 |
| 2029 | 1 |  |  |
| 2030 | 1 |  |  |
| Thereafter | 3 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total lease payments to be received | $27 | $— | $15 |

---

Other information related to leases is as follows for the periods presented:

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston <br>Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston <br>Electric** | **CERC** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston <br>Electric** | **CERC** |
| | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** | **(in millions)** |
| Operating cash flows from operating leases included in the measurement of lease liabilities | $6 | $2 | $1 | $5 | $2 | $2 | $5 | $2 | $2 |

---

See Note 17 for information on ROU assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities.

**(20) Subsequent Events** 

*CERC Term Loan*

In January 2026, CERC Corp. entered into a delayed draw term loan agreement pursuant to which the banks party thereto have committed to provide term loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $800 million by March 30, 2026 in up to three separate borrowings, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain customary conditions. If not fully utilized, the term loan commitments expire on March 31, 2026. The maturity date of the term loan is July 16, 2027. The borrowings under the term loan agreement bear interest at CERC's option, at a rate per annum equal to either (i) Term SOFR (as defined in the term loan agreement), plus a margin of 0.85%, or (ii) the Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the term loan agreement). CERC Corp. borrowed $500 million on January 20, 2026, and expects to borrow the remaining $300 million during the first quarter of 2026. CERC intends to use the proceeds thereof for general corporate purposes.

*CERC Prepayment Notice*

On February 11, 2026, CERC Corp. commenced sending out notices of full prepayment relating to (i) $10 million aggregate principal amount of its 4.25% Senior Notes, Series B, due June 5, 2043, (ii) $40 million aggregate principal amount of its 4.36% Senior Notes, Series B, due December 15, 2045, (iii) $35 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.99% Senior Notes, Series C, due November 30, 2041, (iv) $60 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.02% Senior Notes, Series B, due November 30, 2026 and (v) $100 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.00% Senior Notes due February 3, 2042, pursuant to Note Purchase Agreements, each dated as of May 27, 2022, by and among CERC Corp. and the purchasers party thereto. Such notes are expected to be prepaid on March 27, 2026 at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and a Make-Whole Amount (as defined in the respective Note Purchase Agreements).

*Series 2026-A Senior Secured System Restoration Bonds (Houston Electric)*

On February 18, 2026, Houston Electric and Restoration Bond Company III entered into an underwriting agreement with respect to the purchase and sale of up to approximately $1.193 billion aggregate principal amount of Restoration Bond Company III's Series 2026-A Senior Secured System Restoration Bonds. Subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, Restoration Bond Company III expects to issue the Series 2026-A Senior Secured System Restoration Bonds on February 26, 2026 in three tranches with initial principal amounts of $298,370,000, $397,825,000 and $497,279,000, interest

------

rates of 3.899%, 4.480% and 4.864% and final maturity dates of December 2031, June 2036 and December 2040, respectively. Restoration Bond Company III intends to use the net proceeds from the issuance of the Series 2026-A Senior Secured System Restoration Bonds to purchase the system restoration property from Houston Electric.

**Item 9.*Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure***

None.

**Item 9A.*Controls and Procedures***

**Disclosure Controls And Procedures**

In accordance with Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, the Registrants carried out separate evaluations, under the supervision and with the participation of each company's management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on those evaluations, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, in each case, concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2025 to provide assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms and such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

**Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting**

There has been no change in the Registrants' internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended December 31, 2025 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrants' internal controls over financial reporting.

------

**Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting**

The Registrants' management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Registrants' principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Board, as well as the Registrants' management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Registrants;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Registrants are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Registrants; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Registrants' assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Management has designed its internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Management's assessment included review and testing of both the design effectiveness and operating effectiveness of controls over all relevant assertions related to all significant accounts and disclosures in the financial statements.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Registrants' management, including their respective principal executive officers and principal financial officers, the Registrants conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of their internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in *Internal Control — Integrated Framework* (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on the Registrants' evaluation under the framework in *Internal Control — Integrated Framework* (2013), the Registrants' management has concluded, in each case, that their internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2025.

Deloitte & Touche LLP, CenterPoint Energy's independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of CenterPoint Energy's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025 which is set forth below. This report is not applicable to Houston Electric or CERC as they are not accelerated or large accelerated filers.

------

**REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

**Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting**

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2025, based on criteria established in *Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013)* issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, based on criteria established in *Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013)* issued by COSO.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2025, of the Company and our report dated February 19, 2026, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

**Basis for Opinion**

The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying *Management's* Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

**Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting**

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas

February 19, 2026

------

**Item 9B.*Other Information***

None.

*Rule 10b5-1 Trading Arrangements*

During the three months ended December 31, 2025, no director or officer of CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric or CERC adopted or terminated a "Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement" or "non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement," as each term is defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K.

**Item 9C. *Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections***

Not Applicable.

**PART III**

**Item 10.*Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance***

For CenterPoint Energy, the information called for by Item 10, to the extent not set forth in "Information About Our Executive Officers" in Item 1 of Part I of this report, will be set forth in the definitive proxy statement relating to CenterPoint Energy's 2026 annual meeting of shareholders pursuant to SEC Regulation 14A. Such definitive proxy statement relates to a meeting of shareholders involving the election of directors and the portions thereof called for by Item 10 are incorporated herein by reference pursuant to Instruction G to Form 10-K.

For Houston Electric and CERC, the information called for by Item 10 is omitted pursuant to Instruction I(2) to Form 10-K (Omission of Information by Certain Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries).

**Item 11.*Executive Compensation***

For CenterPoint Energy, the information called for by Item 11 will be set forth in the definitive proxy statement relating to CenterPoint Energy's 2026 annual meeting of shareholders pursuant to SEC Regulation 14A. Such definitive proxy statement relates to a meeting of shareholders involving the election of directors and the portions thereof called for by Item 11 are incorporated herein by reference pursuant to Instruction G to Form 10-K.

For Houston Electric and CERC, the information called for by Item 11 is omitted pursuant to Instruction I(2) to Form 10-K (Omission of Information by Certain Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries).

**Item 12.*Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters***

For CenterPoint Energy, the information called for by Item 12 will be set forth in the definitive proxy statement relating to CenterPoint Energy's 2026 annual meeting of shareholders pursuant to SEC Regulation 14A. Such definitive proxy statement relates to a meeting of shareholders involving the election of directors and the portions thereof called for by Item 12 are incorporated herein by reference pursuant to Instruction G to Form 10-K.

For Houston Electric and CERC, the information called for by Item 12 is omitted pursuant to Instruction I(2) to Form 10-K (Omission of Information by Certain Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries).

**Item 13.*Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence***

For CenterPoint Energy, the information called for by Item 13 will be set forth in the definitive proxy statement relating to CenterPoint Energy's 2026 annual meeting of shareholders pursuant to SEC Regulation 14A. Such definitive proxy statement relates to a meeting of shareholders involving the election of directors and the portions thereof called for by Item 13 are incorporated herein by reference pursuant to Instruction G to Form 10-K.

For Houston Electric and CERC, the information called for by Item 13 is omitted pursuant to Instruction I(2) to Form 10-K (Omission of Information by Certain Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries).

**Item 14.*Principal Accounting Fees and Services***

------

For CenterPoint Energy, the information called for by Item 14 will be set forth in the definitive proxy statement relating to CenterPoint Energy's 2026 annual meeting of shareholders pursuant to SEC Regulation 14A. Such definitive proxy statement relates to a meeting of shareholders involving the election of directors and the portions thereof called for by Item 14 are incorporated herein by reference pursuant to Instruction G to Form 10-K.

Aggregate fees billed to Houston Electric and CERC during the periods presented by their principal accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, are set forth below**.** 

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** |
| | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| Audit fees (1) | $2443540 | $3829800 | $948480 | $1337600 |
| Audit-related fees (2) | 1412641 | 284500 | 1088145 | 449000 |
| Total audit and audit-related fees | 3856181 | 4114300 | 2036625 | 1786600 |
| Tax fees |  |  |  |  |
| All other fees |  |  |  |  |
| Total fees | $3856181 | $4114300 | $2036625 | $1786600 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)For 2025 and 2024, amounts include fees for services provided by the principal accounting firm relating to the integrated audit of financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, statutory audits, attest services, and regulatory filings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)For 2025 and 2024, amounts include fees for consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards and various agreed-upon or expanded procedures related to accounting records to comply with financial accounting or regulatory reporting matters.

Each of Houston Electric and CERC is not required to have, and does not have, an audit committee.

------

**PART IV**

**Item 15.*Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules***

*(a)(1) Financial Statements.*

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **CenterPoint Energy** | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 34) | <u>[92](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_121)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Income for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2025 | <u>[94](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_127)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2025 | <u>[95](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_130)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 | <u>[96](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_133)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2025 | <u>[98](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_136)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Changes in Equity for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2025 | <u>[99](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_139)</u> |
| **Houston Electric** |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 34) | <u>[100](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_142)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Income for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2025 | <u>[102](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_148)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2025 | <u>[103](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_151)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 | <u>[104](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_154)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2025 | <u>[105](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_157)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Changes in Equity for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2025 | <u>[106](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_160)</u> |
| **CERC** |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 34) | <u>[107](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_163)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Income for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2025 | <u>[109](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_169)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2025 | <u>[110](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_172)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 | <u>[111](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_175)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2025 | <u>[113](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_178)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statements of Consolidated Changes in Equity for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2025 | <u>[114](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_181)</u> |
| Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | <u>[115](#id8844fe7397b45f980ca501378af80b0_184)</u> |

---

*(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2025*

The following schedules are omitted by the Registrants because of the absence of the conditions under which they are required or because the required information is included in the financial statements:

I, II, III, IV and V.

*(a)(3) Exhibits.*

See Index of Exhibits beginning on page 186, which index also includes the management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed as exhibits to this Form 10-K by Item 601(b)(10)(iii) of Regulation S-K.

**Item 16. *Form 10-K Summary***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

None.

------

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**EXHIBITS TO THE COMBINED ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K**

**For Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2025** 

**INDEX OF EXHIBITS**

Exhibits included with this report are designated by a cross (†); all exhibits not so designated are incorporated herein by reference to a prior filing as indicated. Exhibits designated by an asterisk (\*) are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed as exhibits to this Form 10-K by Item 601(b)(10)(iii) of Regulation S-K. The Registrants have not filed the exhibits and schedules to Exhibit 2. The Registrants hereby agree to furnish supplementally a copy of any schedule omitted from Exhibit 2 to the SEC upon request.

The agreements included as exhibits are included only to provide information to investors regarding their terms. The agreements listed below may contain representations, warranties and other provisions that were made, among other things, to provide the parties thereto with specified rights and obligations and to allocate risk among them, and such agreements should not be relied upon as constituting or providing any factual disclosures about us, any other persons, any state of affairs or other matters.

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| 2(a) | <u>[Asset Purchase Agreement by and between CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. and Southern Col Midco, LLC, dated as of April 29, 2021](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031021000024/exhibit24cerc-assetpurchas.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 | 1-31447 | 2.4 | X |  | X |
| 2(b) | <u>[Asset Purchase Agreement, dated February 19, 2024, among CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. and Delta Utilities No. LA, LLC, Delta Utilities S. LA, LLC, Delta Utilities MS, LLC, and Delta Shared Services Co., LLC](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001130310/000119312524039277/d794478d8k.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated February 19, 2024 | 1-31447 | 1.1 | X |  | X |
| 2(c) | <u>[Securities Purchase Agreement, dated October 20, 2025, by and between CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. and National Fuel Gas Company](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312525245197/d921256dex21.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated October 20, 2025 | 1-31447 | 2.1 | X |  | X |
| 3(a) | <u>[Restated Articles of Incorporation of CenterPoint Energy](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031008000004/ex3-2.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated July 24, 2008 | 1-31447 | 3.2 | X |  |  |
| 3(b) | <u>[Restated Certificate of Formation of Houston Electric](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031011000048/ex3-1.htm)</u> | Houston Electric's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 | 1-3187 | 3.1 |  | X |  |
| 3(c) | <u>[Certificate of Incorporation of RERC Corp.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/0000950129-98-001585.txt)</u> | CERC Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 | 1-13265 | 3(a)(1) |  |  | X |
| 3(d) | <u>[Certificate of Amendment changing the name to Reliant Energy Resources Corp.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/0000950129-99-001059.txt)</u> | CERC Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 | 1-13265 | 3(a)(3) |  |  | X |
| 3(e) | <u>[Certificate of Amendment changing the name to CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000095012903004183/h07971exv3wa4.txt)</u> | CERC Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 | 1-13265 | 3(a)(4) |  |  | X |

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| 3(f) | <u>[Fifth](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000122/a250925fifthamendedandre.htm)[Amended and Restated Bylaws of CenterPoint Energy](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000122/a250925fifthamendedandre.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated September 26, 2025 | 1-31447 | 3.1 | X |  |  |
| 3(g) | <u>[Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Houston Electric](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031011000048/ex3-2.htm)</u> | Houston Electric's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 | 1-3187 | 3.2 |  | X |  |
| 3(h) | <u>[Bylaws of RERC Corp.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/0000950129-98-001585.txt)</u> | CERC Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 | 1-13265 | 3(b) |  |  | X |
| 3(i) | <u>[Statement of Resolutions Deleting Shares Designated Series A Preferred Stock of CenterPoint Energy](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031012000011/exhibit3c.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 | 1-31447 | 3(c) | X |  |  |
| 4(a) | <u>[Form of CenterPoint Energy Stock Certificate](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000095012901503771/h90625a1ex4-1.txt)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Registration Statement on Form S-4 | 333-69502 | 4.1 | X |  |  |
| 4(b)(1) | Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated November 1, 1944 between Houston Lighting and Power Company (HL&P) and Chase Bank of Texas, National Association (formerly, South Texas Commercial National Bank of Houston), as Trustee, as amended and supplemented by 20 Supplemental Indentures thereto | HL&P's Form S-7 filed on August 25, 1977 | 2-59748 | 2(b) | X | X |  |
| 4(b)(2) | Twenty-First through Fiftieth Supplemental Indentures to Exhibit 4(b)(1) | HL&P's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1989 | 1-3187 | 4(a)(2) | X | X |  |
| 4(b)(3) | Fifty-First Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(b)(1) dated as of March 25, 1991 | HL&P's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1991 | 1-3187 | 4(a) | X | X |  |
| 4(b)(4) | Fifty-Second through Fifty-Fifth Supplemental Indentures to Exhibit 4(b)(1) each dated as of March 1, 1992 | HL&P's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1992 | 1-3187 | 4 | X | X |  |
| 4(b)(5) | Fifty-Sixth and Fifty-Seventh Supplemental Indentures to Exhibit 4(b)(1) each dated as of October 1, 1992  | HL&P's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1992 | 1-3187 | 4 | X | X |  |
| 4(b)(6) | Fifty-Eighth and Fifty-Ninth Supplemental Indentures to Exhibit 4(b)(1) each dated as of March 1, 1993 | HL&P's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1993 | 1-3187 | 4 | X | X |  |
| 4(b)(7) | Sixtieth Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(b)(1) dated as of July 1, 1993 | HL&P's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1993 | 1-3187 | 4 | X | X |  |

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| 4(b)(8) | Sixty-First through Sixty-Third Supplemental Indentures to Exhibit 4(b)(1) each dated as of December 1, 1993 | HL&P's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993 | 1-3187 | 4(a)(8) | X | X |  |
| 4(b)(9) | Sixty-Fourth and Sixty-Fifth Supplemental Indentures to Exhibit 4(b)(1) each dated as of July 1, 1995 | HL&P's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995 | 1-3187 | 4(a)(9) | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(1) | <u>[General Mortgage Indenture, dated as of October 10, 2002, between CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000095012902005703/h01010exv4wj1.txt)</u> | Houston Electric's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 | 1-3187 | 4(j)(1) | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(2) | <u>[Third Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(c)(1), dated as of October 10, 2002](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000095012902005703/h01010exv4wj4.txt)</u> | Houston Electric's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 | 1-3187 | 4(j)(4) | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(3) | <u>[Officer's Certificates dated October 10, 2002 setting forth the form, terms and provisions of the First through Eighth Series of General Mortgage Bonds](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000095012904001267/h13311exv4we10.txt)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 | 1-31447 | 4(e)(10) | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(4) | <u>[Ninth Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(c)(1), dated as of November 12, 2002](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000095012903001299/h03755exv4we10.txt)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 | 1-31447 | 4(e)(10) | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(5) | <u>[Tenth Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(c)(1), dated as of March 18, 2003](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000089924303000682/dex41.txt)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated March 13, 2003 | 1-31447 | 4.1 | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(6) | <u>[Officer's Certificate dated March 18, 2003 setting forth the form, terms and provisions of the Tenth Series and Eleventh Series of General Mortgage Bonds](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000089924303000682/dex42.txt)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated March 13, 2003 | 1-31447 | 4.2 | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(7) | <u>[Twentieth Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(c)(1), dated as of December 9, 2008](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000095013409000323/h65378exv4w2.htm)</u> | Houston Electric's Form 8-K dated January 6, 2009 | 1-3187 | 4.2 | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(8) | <u>[Twenty-Second Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(c)(1) dated as of August 10, 2012](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031013000006/cnp_exhibit4e33x12312012.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 | 1-31447 | 4(e)(33) | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(9) | <u>[Officer's Certificate, dated August 10, 2012 setting forth the form, terms and provisions of the Twenty-Second Series of General Mortgage Bonds](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031013000006/cnp_exhibit4e34x12312012.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 | 1-31447 | 4(e)(34) | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(10) | <u>[Twenty-Third Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(c)(1) dated as of March 17, 2014](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031014000011/cnp_exhibit410x3312014.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 | 1-31447 | 4.10 | X | X |  |

---

------

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| 4(c)(11) | <u>[Officer's Certificate, dated as of March 17, 2014, setting forth the form, terms and provisions of the Twenty-Third Series of General Mortgage Bonds](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031014000011/cnp_exhibit411x3312014.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 | 1-31447 | 4.11 | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(12) | <u>[Twenty-Fifth Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(c)(1) dated as of August 11, 2016](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031016000055/cnp_exhibit45x9302016.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 | 1-31447 | 4.5 | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(13) | <u>[Officer's Certificate, dated as of August 11, 2016, setting forth the form, terms and provisions of the Twenty-Sixth Series of General Mortgage Bonds](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031016000055/cnp_exhibit46x9302016.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 | 1-31447 | 4.6 | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(14) | <u>[Twenty-Sixth Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(c)(1) dated as of January 12, 2017](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031017000006/cnp_exhibit4e41x12312016.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 | 1-31447 | 4(e)(41) | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(15) | <u>[Officer's Certificate, dated as of January 12, 2017, setting forth the form, terms and provisions of the Twenty-Seventh Series of General Mortgage Bonds](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031017000006/cnp_exhibit4e42x12312016.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 | 1-31447 | 4(e)(42) | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(16) | <u>[Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(c)(1) dated as of February 28, 2018](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031018000012/cnp_exhibit49x3312018.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 | 1-31447 | 4.9 | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(17) | <u>[Officer's Certificate, dated as of February 28, 2018, setting forth the form, terms and provisions of the Twenty-Eighth Series of General Mortgage Bonds](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031018000012/cnp_exhibit410x3312018.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 | 1-31447 | 4.10 | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(18) | <u>[Twenty-Eighth Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(c)(1) dated as of January 15, 2019](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000119312519007474/d678168dex44.htm)</u> | Houston Electric's Form 8-K dated January 10, 2019 | 1-3187 | 4.4 | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(19) | <u>[Officer's Certificate, dated as of January 15, 2019, setting forth the form, terms and provisions of the Twenty-Ninth Series of General Mortgage Bonds](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031019000016/cehe_exhibit4h24.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 | 1-31447 | 4(h)(24) | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(20) | <u>[Twenty-Ninth Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(c)(1) dated as of June 5, 2020](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000119312520159544/d880209dex44.htm)</u> | Houston Electric's Form 8-K dated June 2, 2020 | 1-3187 | 4.4 | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(21) | <u>[Officer's Certificate, dated as of June 5, 2020, setting forth the form, terms and provisions of the Thirtieth Series of General Mortgage Bonds](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031020000084/exhibit426ceheofficers.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 | 1-31447 | 4.26 | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(22) | <u>[Thirtieth Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(c)(1), dated as of March 11, 2021](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000119312521074944/d133333dex44.htm)</u> | Houston Electric's Form 8-K dated March 8, 2021 | 1-3187 | 4.4 | X | X |  |

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| 4(c)(23) | <u>[Officer's Certificate, dated as of March 11, 2021, setting forth the form, terms and provisions of the Thirty-First and Thirty-Second Series of General Mortgage Bonds](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031021000024/exhibit422-cehexofficersce.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 | 1-31447 | 4.22 | X | X |  |
| 4(c)(24) | <u>[Thirty-First Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(c)(1), dated as of February 28, 2022](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000119312522052201/d677233dex44.htm)</u> | Houston Electric's Form 8-K dated February 23, 2022 | 1-3187 | 4.4 |  | X |  |
| 4(c)(25) | <u>[Officer's Certificate, dated as of February 28, 2022, setting forth the form, terms and provisions of the Thirty-Third and Thirty-Fourth Series of General Mortgage Bonds](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031022000063/exhibit411officerscertific.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 | 1-31447 | 4.11 |  | X |  |
| 4(c)(26) | <u>[Thirty-Second Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(c)(1), dated as of September 15, 2022](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000119312522243749/d393587dex44.htm)</u> | Houston Electric's Form 8-K dated September 12, 2022 | 1-3187 | 4.4 |  | X |  |
| 4(c)(27) | <u>[Officer's Certificate, dated September 15, 2022, setting forth the form, terms and provisions of the Thirty-Fifth and Thirty-Sixth Series of General Mortgage Bonds](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031022000123/ex47officerscertificate.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 | 1-31447 | 4.7 |  | X |  |
| 4(c)(28) | <u>[Thirty-Third Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(c)(1), dated as of March 23, 2023](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000119312523075856/d438705dex44.htm)</u> | Houston Electric's Form 8-K dated March 20, 2023 | 1-3187 | 4.4 |  | X |  |
| 4(c)(29) | <u>[Officer's Certificate, dated March 23, 2023, setting forth the form, terms and provisions of the Thirty-Seventh and Thirty-Eighth Series of General Mortgage Bonds](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031023000061/exhibit411-officerscertifi.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 | 1-31447 | 4.11 |  | X |  |
| 4(c)(30) | <u>[Thirty-Fourth Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(c)(1), dated as of September 18, 2023](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000119312523235398/d481482dex44.htm)</u> | Houston Electric's Form 8-K dated September 13, 2023 | 1-3187 | 4.4 |  | X |  |
| 4(c)(31) | <u>[Officer's Certificate, dated September 18, 2023, setting forth the form, terms and provisions of the Thirty-Ninth Series of General Mortgage Bonds](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031023000146/exhibit49officerscertifica.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 | 1-31447 | 4.9 |  | X |  |
| 4(c)(32) | <u>[Thirty-Fifth Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(c)(1), dated as of February 29, 2024](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000119312524048049/d773950d8k.htm)</u> | Houston Electric's Form 8-K dated February 26, 2024 | 1-3187 | 4.4 |  | X |  |
| 4(c)(33) | <u>[Officer's Certificate, dated as of February 29, 2024, setting forth the form, terms and provisions of the Fortieth Series of General Mortgage Bonds](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000113031024000066/exhibit46-officerscertific.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 | 1-31447 | 4.6 |  | X |  |
| 4(c)(34) | <u>[Thirty-Sixth Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(c)(1), dated as of November 4, 2024](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000119312524248713/d904920dex44.htm)</u> | Houston Electric's Form 8-K dated October 31, 2024 | 1-3187 | 4.4 |  | X |  |

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| 4(c)(35) | <u>[Officer's Certificate, dated as of November 4, 2024, setting forth the form, terms and provisions of the Forty-First Series of General Mortgage Bonds](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000040/a4c35-officerscertificat.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 | 1-3187 | 4(c)(35) |  | X |  |
| 4(c)(36) | <u>[Thirty-Seventh Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(c)(1), dated as of February 27, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000119312525035253/d927512dex44.htm)</u> | Houston Electric's Form 8-K dated February 26, 2025 | 1-3187 | 4.4 |  | X |  |
| 4(c)(37) | <u>[Officer's Certificate, dated as of February 27, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000079/exhibit45-officerscertif.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 | 1-3187 | 4.5 |  | X |  |
| 4(c)(38) | <u>[Thirty-](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000110465925074216/tm2522303d4_ex4-4.htm)[Eighth](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000110465925074216/tm2522303d4_ex4-4.htm)[Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(c)(1), dated as of](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000110465925074216/tm2522303d4_ex4-4.htm)[August](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000110465925074216/tm2522303d4_ex4-4.htm)[7, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000110465925074216/tm2522303d4_ex4-4.htm)</u> | Houston Electric's Form 8-K dated August 5, 2025 | 1-3187 | 4.4 |  | X |  |
| 4(c)(39) | <u>[Officer's Certificate, dated as of](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000143/cehe_exhibit411.htm)[August 7, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000143/cehe_exhibit411.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2025 | 1-3187 | 4.11 |  | X |  |
| 4(d)(1) | Indenture, dated as of February 1, 1998, between Reliant Energy Resources Corp. (RERC Corp.) and Chase Bank of Texas, National Association, as Trustee | CERC Corp.'s Form 8-K dated February 5, 1998 | 1-13265 | 4.1 | X |  | X |
| 4(d)(2) | <u>[Supplemental Indenture No. 10 to Exhibit 4(d)(1), dated as of February 6, 2007, providing for the issuance of CERC Corp.'s 6.25% Senior Notes due 2037](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000095013407004335/h43783exv4wfw11.txt)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 | 1-31447 | 4(f)(11) | X |  | X |
| 4(d)(3) | <u>[Supplemental Indenture No. 12 to Exhibit 4(d)(1) dated as of October 23, 2007, providing for the issuance of CERC Corp.'s 6.625% Senior Notes due 2037](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000095013407022624/h50854exv4w9.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 | 1-31447 | 4.9 | X |  | X |
| 4(d)(4) | <u>[Supplemental Indenture No. 14 to Exhibit 4(d)(1) dated as of January 11, 2011, providing for the issuance of CERC Corp.'s 4.50% Senior Notes due 2021 and 5.85% Senior Notes due 2041](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031011000006/exhibit4f15.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 | 1-31447 | 4(f)(15) | X |  | X |
| 4(d)(5) | <u>[Supplemental Indenture No. 16 to Exhibit 4(d)(1) dated as of August 23, 2017, providing for the issuance of CERC Corp.'s 4.10% Senior Notes due 2047](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031017000017/cnp_exhibit411x9302017.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 | 1-31447 | 4.11 | X |  | X |
| 4(d)(6) | <u>[Supplemental Indenture No. 17 to Exhibit 4(d)(1) dated as of March 28, 2018, providing for the issuance of CERC Corp.'s 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023 and 4.00% Senior Notes due 2028](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000104277318000008/cerc_exhibit44x3312018.htm)</u> | CERC's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018  | 1-13265 | 4.4 | X |  | X |

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| 4(d)(7) | <u>[Supplemental Indenture No. 18 to Exhibit 4(d)(1), dated as of October 1, 2020, providing for the issuance of CERC Corp.'s 1.75% Senior Notes due 2030](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031020000098/exhibit423-cercxsupple.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 | 1-31447 | 4.23 | X |  | X |
| 4(d)(8) | <u>[Supplemental Indenture No. 21, dated as of June 9, 2022, to the Indenture under Exhibit 4(d)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031022000103/exhibit412supplementalinde.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022 | 1-31447 | 4.12 |  |  | X |
| 4(d)(9) | <u>[Supplemental Indenture No. 22, to Exhibit 4(d)(1), dated as of October 5, 2022, providing for the issuance of CERC Corp.'s 6.10% Senior Notes due 2035](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000119312522258227/d249099dex42.htm)</u> | CERC's Form 8-K dated October 5, 2022 | 1-13265 | 4.2 |  |  | X |
| 4(d)(10) | <u>[Supplemental Indenture No. 23 to Exhibit 4(d)(1), dated as of February 23, 2023, providing for the issuance of CERC Corp.'s 5.25% Senior Notes due 2028 and 5.40% Senior Notes due 2033](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031023000061/exhibit46-supplementalinde.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 | 1-31447 | 4.6 |  |  | X |
| 4(d)(11) | <u>[Supplemental Indenture No. 24 to Exhibit 4(d)(1), dated as of May 3, 2023, providing for the issuance of CERC Corp.'s 5.25% Senior Notes due 2028](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031023000110/cerc-ex45xsupplementalinde.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023 | 1-31447 | 4.5 |  |  | X |
| 4(d)(12) | <u>[Supplemental Indenture No. 25 to Exhibit 4(d)(1), dated as of June 20, 2024, providing for the issuance of CERC Corp.'s 5.40% Senior Notes due 2034](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000113031024000093/exhibit45cerc-supplemental.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 | 1-31447 | 4.5 |  |  | X |
| 4(e)(1) | <u>[Indenture, dated as of May 19, 2003, between CenterPoint Energy and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000095012903003045/h06499exv4w1.txt)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated May 19, 2003 | 1-31447 | 4.1 | X |  |  |
| 4(e)(2) | <u>[Supplemental Indenture No. 10 to Exhibit 4(e)(1), dated as of October 5, 2018, providing for the issuance of CenterPoint Energy's 3.60% Senior Notes due 2021, 3.85% Senior Notes due 2024 and 4.25% Senior Notes due 2028](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031018000023/cnp_exhibit414x9302018.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 | 1-31447 | 4.14 | X |  |  |
| 4(e)(3) | <u>[Supplemental Indenture No. 11 to Exhibit 4(e)(1), dated as of August 14, 2019, providing for the issuance of CenterPoint Energy's 2.50% Senior Notes due 2024, 2.95% Senior Notes due 2030 and 3.70% Senior Notes due 2049](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031019000041/exhibit420cnpsuppindentu.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019 | 1-31447 | 4.2 | X |  |  |
| 4(e)(4) | <u>[Supplemental Indenture No. 13 to Exhibit 4(e)(1), dated as of May 13, 2021, providing for the issuance of CenterPoint Energy's 1.45% Senior Notes due 2026 and 2.65% Senior Notes due 2031](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031021000041/exhibit425cnp-fixedratesup.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 | 1-31447 | 4.25 | X |  |  |

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| 4(e)(5) | <u>[Supplemental Indenture No. 14 to Exhibit 4(e)(1), dated as of August 10, 2023, providing for the issuance of CenterPoint Energy's 5.25% Senior Notes due 2026](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031023000146/exhibit44supplementalinden.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 | 1-31447 | 4.4 | X |  |  |
| 4(e)(6) | <u>[Supplemental Indenture No. 15 to Exhibit 4(e)(1), dated as of May 10, 2024, providing for the issuance of CenterPoint Energy's 5.40% Senior Notes due 2029](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000113031024000093/exhibit43cnp-supplementali.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 | 1-31447 | 4.3 | X |  |  |
| 4(f)(1) | Subordinated Indenture dated as of September 1, 1999 | Reliant Energy's Form 8-K dated September 1, 1999 | 1-3187 | 4.1 | X |  |  |
| 4(f)(2) | Supplemental Indenture No. 1 dated as of September 1, 1999, between Reliant Energy and Chase Bank of Texas (supplementing Exhibit 4(f)(1) and providing for the issuance Reliant Energy's 2% Zero-Premium Exchangeable Subordinated Notes Due 2029) | Reliant Energy's Form 8-K dated September 15, 1999 | 1-3187 | 4.2 | X |  |  |
| 4(f)(3) | <u>[Supplemental Indenture No. 2 dated as of August 31, 2002, between CenterPoint Energy, Reliant Energy and JPMorgan Chase Bank (supplementing Exhibit 4(f)(1))](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000095012902004524/h99690exv4we.txt)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K12B dated August 31, 2002 | 1-31447 | 4(e) | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4(f)(4) | <u>[Supplemental Indenture No. 3 dated as of December 28, 2005, between CenterPoint Energy, Reliant Energy and JPMorgan Chase Bank (supplementing Exhibit 4(f)(1))](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000095013406005252/h33322exv4whw4.txt)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 | 1-31447 | 4(h)(4) | X |  |  |
| 4(g)(1) | <u>[Amended and Restated Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated as of January 1, 2023, between SIGECO and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312523021694/d444047dex102.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated January 30, 2023 | 1-31447 | 10.2 | X |  |  |
| 4(g)(2) | <u>[First Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(g)(1), dated as of March 15, 2023](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312523072741/d481093dex42.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated March 15, 2023 | 1-31447 | 4.2 | X |  |  |
| 4(g)(3) | <u>[Second Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(g)(1), dated as of October 13, 2023](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312523256879/d527620dex42.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated October 13, 2023 | 1-31447 | 4.2 | X |  |  |
| 4(g)(4) | <u>[Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 29, 2024, between Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312524209934/d846325dex42.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated August 29, 2024 | 1-31447 | 4.2 | X |  |  |
| 4(g)(5) | <u>[Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 31, 2025, between Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000040/a4g5-fourthsupplementali.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 | 1-31447 | 4(g)(5) | X |  |  |

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| 4(g)(6) | <u>[Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 1, 2025, between Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000105/exhibit42fifthsupplemental.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated July 1, 2025 | 1-31447 | 4.2 | X |  |  |
| 4(g)(7) | <u>[Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2025, between Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000143/cnp_exhibit43sixthsuppli.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2025 | 1-31447 | 4.3 | X |  |  |
| 4(g)(8) | Additional Supplemental Indentures to Exhibit 4(g)(1) |  |  |  | X |  |  |
|  | **<u>Date as of</u>** | **<u>File Reference</u>** | **<u>Exhibit No.</u>** |  |  |  |  |
|  | <u>[July 1, 1999](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/92195/000009219599000016/0000092195-99-000016.txt)</u> | 1-3553, SIGECO's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999 | 4(a) |  |  |  |  |
|  | <u>[April 1, 2013](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1096385/000109638513000025/supplementalindentureexhib.htm)</u> | 1-15467, Vectren's Form 8-K dated April 30, 2013 | 4.1 |  |  |  |  |
|  | <u>[September 1, 2014](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1096385/000109638514000073/exhibit41-supplementalinde.htm)</u> | 1-15467, Vectren's Form 8-K dated September 25, 2014 | 4.1 |  |  |  |  |
|  | <u>[September 1, 2015](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1096385/000109638515000079/exhibit41-sigecosupplement.htm)</u> | 1-15467, Vectren's Form 8-K dated September 10, 2015 | 4.1 |  |  |  |  |
| 4(h)(1) | Indenture dated February 1, 1991 between Indiana Gas Company, Inc. and U.S Bank Trust National Association (formerly known as First Trust National Association, which was formerly known as Bank of America Illinois, which was formerly known as Continental Bank, National Association) | Indiana Gas's Form 8-K filed February 15, 1991 | 1-6494 | 4(a) | X |  |  |
| 4(h)(2) | First Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(h)(1), dated as of February 15, 1991 | Indiana Gas's Form 8-K filed February 15, 1991 | 1-6494 | 4(b) | X |  |  |
| 4(h)(3) | Second Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(h)(1), dated as of September 15, 1991 | Indiana Gas's Form 8-K filed September 25, 1991 | 1-6494 | 4(b) | X |  |  |
| 4(h)(4) | Third Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(h)(1), dated as of September 15, 1991 | Indiana Gas's Form 8-K filed September 25, 1991 | 1-6494 | 4(c) | X |  |  |
| 4(h)(5) | Fourth Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(h)(1), dated as of December 2, 1992 | Indiana Gas's Form 8-K filed December 8, 1992 | 1-6494 | 4(b) | X |  |  |
| 4(h)(6) | <u>[Fifth Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(h)(1), dated as of December 28, 2000](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/50183/000090883400000226/0000908834-00-000226-0003.txt)</u> | Indiana Gas's Form 8-K filed December 27, 2000 | 1-6494 | 4 | X |  |  |

---

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| 4(i)(1) | <u>[Bond Purchase and Covenants Agreement, dated September 14, 2017, between SIGECO and PNC Bank, National Association](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1096385/000114036117036333/ex4_1.htm)</u> | Vectren's Form 8-K dated September 25, 2017 | 1-15467 | 4.1 | X |  |  |
| 4(i)(2) | <u>[Joinder and First Amendment to Exhibit 4(i)(1) dated March 1, 2018 among SIGECO, the lenders party thereto and PNC Bank, National Association](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1096385/000114036118021434/ex4_1.htm)</u> | Vectren's Form 8-K dated May 3, 2018 | 1-15467 | 4.1 | X |  |  |
| 4(i)(3) | <u>[Second Amendment to Exhibit 4(i)(1) dated May 1, 2018 among SIGECO, the lenders party thereto and PNC Bank, National Association](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1096385/000114036118021434/ex4_2.htm)</u> | Vectren's Form 8-K dated May 3, 2018 | 1-15467 | 4.2 | X |  |  |
| 4(i)(4) | <u>[Third Amendment to Exhibit 4(i)(1) dated December 7, 2022 among SIGECO, the lenders party thereto and PNC Bank, National Association](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031023000013/exhibit4k4-thirdamendment.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 | 1-31447 | 4(k)(4) | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4(j) | <u>[The Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 27, 2022, between CERC and the Purchasers signatory thereto, in connection with the issuance by CERC of $40,000,000 aggregate principal amount of CERC's 4.36% Senior Notes, Series B, due December 15, 2045](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000119312522166259/d345043dex41.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated May 27, 2022 | 1-31447 | 4.1 | X |  | X |
| 4(k) | <u>[The Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 27, 2022, between CERC and the Purchasers signatory thereto, in connection with the issuance by CERC of $10,000,000 aggregate principal amount of CERC's 4.25% Senior Notes, Series B, due June 5, 2043](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000119312522166259/d345043dex43.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated May 27, 2022 | 1-31447 | 4.3 | X |  | X |
| 4(l) | <u>[The Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 27, 2022, between CERC and the Purchasers signatory thereto, in connection with the issuance by CERC of $100,000,000 aggregate principal amount of CERC's 5.00% Senior Notes, due February 3, 2042](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000119312522166259/d345043dex44.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated May 27, 2022 | 1-31447 | 4.4 | X |  | X |
| 4(m) | <u>[The Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 27, 2022, between CERC and the Purchasers signatory thereto, in connection with the issuance by CERC of $60,000,000 aggregate principal amount of CERC's 5.02% Senior Notes, Series B, due November 30, 2026 and $35,000,000 aggregate principal amount of CERC's 5.99% Senior Notes, Series C, due November 30, 2041](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000119312522166259/d345043dex45.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated May 27, 2022 | 1-31447 | 4.5 | X |  | X |

---

------

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| 4(n) | <u>[Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 5, 2022, between CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000119312522258227/d249099dex43.htm)</u> | CERC's Form 8-K dated October 5, 2022 | 1-13265 | 4.3 |  |  | X |
| 4(o) | <u>[Indenture dated as of August 4, 2023, between CenterPoint Energy and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association, as trustee](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312523203904/d536903dex41.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated August 4, 2023 | 1-31447 | 4.1 | X |  |  |
| 4(p)(1) | <u>[Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of August 14, 2024, between CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association, as trustee](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000113031024000115/ex41-cnpxbaseindentureau.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 | 1-31447 | 4.1 | X |  |  |
| 4(p)(2) | <u>[Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(p)(1), dated as of August 14, 2024](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000113031024000115/ex42-cnpxsupplementalind.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 | 1-31447 | 4.2 | X |  |  |
| 4(p)(3) | <u>[Supplemental Indenture No. 2 to Exhibit 4(p)(1), dated as of October 31, 2024, providing for the issuance of CenterPoint Energy's 6.700% Fixed-to-Fixed Reset Junior Subordinated Notes, Series C, due 2055](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000040/a4p3-cnpjsnsupplementali.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 | 1-31447 | 4(p)(3) | X |  |  |
| 4(p)(4) | <u>[Supplemental Indenture No.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000137/cnp_exhibit46.htm)[3](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000137/cnp_exhibit46.htm)[to Exhibit 4(p)(1), dated as of October](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000137/cnp_exhibit46.htm)[2](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000137/cnp_exhibit46.htm)[, 202](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000137/cnp_exhibit46.htm)[5](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000137/cnp_exhibit46.htm)[, providing for the issuance of CenterPoint Energy's](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000137/cnp_exhibit46.htm)[5](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000137/cnp_exhibit46.htm)[.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000137/cnp_exhibit46.htm)[95](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000137/cnp_exhibit46.htm)[0% Fixed-to-Fixed Reset](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000137/cnp_exhibit46.htm)[Rate](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000137/cnp_exhibit46.htm)[Junior Subordinated Notes, Series](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000137/cnp_exhibit46.htm)[D](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000137/cnp_exhibit46.htm)[, due 205](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000137/cnp_exhibit46.htm)[6](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000137/cnp_exhibit46.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2025 | 1-31447 | 4.6 | X |  |  |
| 4(q) | <u>[Indenture dated as of July 31, 2025, between CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association, as trustee](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312525170585/d870404dex41.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated July 31, 2025 | 1-31447 | 4.1 | X |  |  |
| 4(r) | <u>[Indenture by and among CenterPoint Energy Restoration Bond Company II, LLC, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Indenture Trustee, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Securities Intermediary (including the forms of the System Restoration Bonds and the form of Series Supplement), dated as of September 17, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2072436/000110465925090869/tm2517786d14_ex4-1.htm)</u> | Houston Electric's Form 8-K dated September 17, 2025 | 1-3187 | 4.1 |  | X |  |
| 4(s) | <u>[Series Supplement by and between CenterPoint Energy Restoration Bond Company II, LLC and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Indenture Trustee, dated as of September 17, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2072436/000110465925090869/tm2517786d14_ex4-2.htm)</u> | Houston Electric's Form 8-K dated September 17, 2025 | 1-3187 | 4.2 |  | X |  |
| †4(t) | <u>[Description of CenterPoint Energy's Securities](cnp_exhibit4tx12312025.htm)</u> |  |  |  | X |  |  |

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| †4(u) | <u>[Description of Houston Electric's Securities](cehe_exhibit4ux12312025.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  | X |  |
| †4(v) | <u>[Description of CERC's Securities](cerc_exhibit4vx12312025.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  |  | X |

---

Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K, the Registrants have not filed as exhibits to this Form 10-K certain long-term debt instruments, including indentures, under which the total amount of securities authorized does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Registrants and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The Registrants hereby agree to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the SEC upon request.

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| \*10(a) | <u>[CenterPoint Energy, Inc. 1991 Benefit Restoration Plan, as amended and restated effective as of February 25, 2011](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031011000027/ex10-3.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 | 1-31447 | 10.3 | X |  |  |
| \*10(b)(1) | <u>[CenterPoint Energy Benefit Restoration Plan, effective as of January 1, 2008](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000095012908006187/h65316exv10w1.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated December 22, 2008 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| \*10(b)(2) | <u>[First Amendment to Exhibit 10(b)(1), effective as of February 25, 2011](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031011000027/ex10-4.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 | 1-31447 | 10.4 | X |  |  |
| \*10(b)(3) | <u>[Partial Termination Amendment to Exhibit 10(b)(1), effective as of March 1, 2022](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031022000063/exhibit1014finalenableterm.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 | 1-31447 | 10.14 | X |  |  |
| \*10(b)(4) | <u>[Third Amendment to Exhibit 10(b)(1), effective as of October 1, 2023](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031023000146/exhibit102thirdamendmentto.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 | 1-31447 | 10.2 | X |  |  |
| \*10(c) | <u>[CenterPoint Energy 1985 Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2003](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000095012903005578/h10111exv10w1.txt)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| \*10(d)(1) | <u>[Amended and Restated CenterPoint Energy, Inc. 1991 Savings Restoration Plan, effective as of January 1, 2008](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000095012908006187/h65316exv10w4.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated December 22, 2008 | 1-31447 | 10.4 | X |  |  |
| \*10(d)(2) | <u>[First Amendment to Exhibit 10(d)(1), effective as of](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031011000027/ex10-5.htm)[February 25, 2011](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031011000027/ex10-5.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 | 1-31447 | 10.5 | X |  |  |

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| \*10(e)(1) | <u>[CenterPoint Energy Savings Restoration Plan, effective as of January 1, 2008](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000095012908006187/h65316exv10w3.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated December 22, 2008 | 1-31447 | 10.3 | X |  |  |
| \*10(e)(2) | <u>[First Amendment to Exhibit 10(e)(1), effective as of](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031011000027/ex10-6.htm)[February 25, 2011](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031011000027/ex10-6.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 | 1-31447 | 10.6 | X |  |  |
| \*10(e)(3) | <u>[Second Amendment to Exhibit 10(e)(1), effective as of January 1, 2020](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031019000051/exhibit1012ndamendmentto.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated December 9, 2019 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| \*10(e)(4) | <u>[Partial Termination Amendment to Exhibit 10(e)(1), effective as of March 1, 2022](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031022000063/exhibit1018finalenableterm.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 | 1-31447 | 10.18 | X |  |  |
| \*10(e)(5) | <u>[Fourth Amendment to Exhibit 10(e)(1), effective as of October 1, 2023](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031023000146/exhibit103fourthamendmentt.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 | 1-31447 | 10.3 | X |  |  |
| \*10(e)(6) | <u>[Fifth Amendment to Exhibit 10(e)(1), effective as of January 1, 2024](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000113031024000010/tab10e6fifthamendment.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 | 1-31447 | 10(e)(6) | X |  |  |
| \*10(e)(7) | <u>[Partial Termination Amendment to Exhibit 10(e)(1), effective as of April 1, 2024](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000113031024000010/exbitit10e7-esgtermination.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 | 1-31447 | 10(e)(7) | X |  |  |
| \*10(f) | <u>[CenterPoint Energy Executive Life Insurance Plan, as amended and restated effective June 18, 2003](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000095012903005578/h10111exv10w5.txt)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 | 1-31447 | 10.5 | X |  |  |
| 10(g)(1) | Stockholder's Agreement dated as of July 6, 1995 between Houston Industries Incorporated and Time Warner Inc. | Schedule 13-D dated July 6, 1995 | 5-19351 | 2 | X |  |  |
| 10(g)(2) | Amendment to Exhibit 10(g)(1) dated November 18, 1996 | HI's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 | 1-7629 | 10(x)(4) | X |  |  |
| 10(h)(1) | <u>[Master Separation Agreement entered into as of December 31, 2000 between Reliant Energy, Incorporated and Reliant Resources, Inc.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000095012901500725/h86969ex10-1_rei.txt)</u> | Reliant Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001 | 1-3187 | 10.1 | X |  |  |

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| 10(h)(2) | <u>[First Amendment to Exhibit 10(h)(1) effective as of February 1, 2003](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000095012903001299/h03755exv10wbb5.txt)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 | 1-31447 | 10(bb)(5) | X |  |  |
| 10(h)(3) | <u>[Employee Matters Agreement, entered into as of December 31, 2000, between Reliant Energy, Incorporated and Reliant Resources, Inc.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000095012901500725/h86969ex10-5_rei.txt)</u> | Reliant Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001 | 1-3187 | 10.5 | X |  |  |
| 10(h)(4) | <u>[Retail Agreement, entered into as of December 31, 2000, between Reliant Energy, Incorporated and Reliant Resources, Inc.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000095012901500725/h86969ex10-6_rei.txt)</u> | Reliant Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001 | 1-3187 | 10.6 | X |  |  |
| 10(h)(5) | <u>[Tax Allocation Agreement, entered into as of December 31, 2000, between Reliant Energy, Incorporated and Reliant Resources, Inc.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000095012901500725/h86969ex10-8_rei.txt)</u> | Reliant Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001 | 1-3187 | 10.8 | X |  |  |
| 10(i)(1) | <u>[Separation Agreement entered into as of August 31, 2002 between CenterPoint Energy and Texas Genco](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000095012903001299/h03755exv10wcc1.txt)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 | 1-31447 | 10(cc)(1) | X |  |  |
| 10(i)(2) | <u>[Transition Services Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2002, between CenterPoint Energy and Texas Genco](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000095012903001299/h03755exv10wcc2.txt)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 | 1-31447 | 10(cc)(2) | X |  |  |
| 10(i)(3) | <u>[Tax Allocation Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2002, between CenterPoint Energy and Texas Genco](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000095012903001299/h03755exv10wcc3.txt)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 | 1-31447 | 10(cc)(3) | X |  |  |
| \*10(j)(1) | <u>[CenterPoint Energy, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2003](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000095012903005578/h10111exv10w2.txt)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 | 1-31447 | 10.2 | X |  |  |
| \*10(j)(2) | <u>[First Amendment to Exhibit 10(j)(1) effective as of January 1, 2008](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000095012908001179/h54319exv10w4.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated February 20, 2008 | 1-31447 | 10.4 | X |  |  |
| \*10(k)(1) | <u>[Amended and Restated CenterPoint Energy 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2009](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031008000023/ex10-1.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| \*10(k)(2) | <u>[First Amendment to Exhibit 10(k)(1) effective March 1, 2022](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031022000056/exhibit1010finalenableterm.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated April 22, 2022 | 1-31447 | 10.10 | X |  |  |
| \*10(k)(3) | <u>[Second Amendment to Exhibit 10(k)(1) effective May 1, 2022](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031022000063/exhibit1011-secondamendment.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 | 1-31447 | 10.11 | X |  |  |
| \*10(k)(4) | <u>[Third Amendment to Exhibit 10(k)(1) effective October 1, 2023](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031023000146/exhibit101thirdamendmentto.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| \*10(k)(5) | <u>[Partial Termination Amendment to Exhibit 10(k)(1) effective April 1, 2024](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000113031024000010/exhibit5-esgterminationame.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 | 1-31447 | 10(l) | X |  |  |
| \*10(k)(6) | <u>[Fifth](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000137/cnp_ex104fifthamendtodcp.htm)[Amendment to Exhibit 10(k)(1) effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000137/cnp_ex104fifthamendtodcp.htm)[January](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000137/cnp_ex104fifthamendtodcp.htm)[1, 202](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000137/cnp_ex104fifthamendtodcp.htm)[6](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000137/cnp_ex104fifthamendtodcp.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2025 | 1-31447 | 10.4 | X |  |  |
| \*10(l)(1) | <u>[CenterPoint Energy Inc., Short Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2022](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031022000023/exhibit10l12312021.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 | 1-31447 | 10(l) | X |  |  |
| \*10(l)(2) | <u>[First Amendment to Exhibit 10(l)(1) effective as of January 1, 2023](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031023000013/exhibit10l2firstamendmentt.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 | 1-31447 | 10(l)(2) | X |  |  |
| \*10(m)(1) | <u>[Amended and Restated CenterPoint Energy Stock Plan for Outside Directors](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031018000012/cnp_exhibit101x3312018.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| \*10(m)(2) | <u>[First Amendment to Exhibit 10(m)(1), dated as of February 19, 2020](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031020000016/cnpexhibit10n2123120191.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 | 1-31447 | 10(n)(2) | X |  |  |
| \*10(m)(3) | <u>[Second Amendment to Exhibit 10(m)(1), dated as of February 14, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000040/exhibit10m2-secondamendm.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 | 1-31447 | 10(m)(2) | X |  |  |
| 10(n) | <u>[City of Houston Franchise Ordinance](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000095012905007806/h27513exv10w1.txt)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X | X |  |
| 10(o)(1) | <u>[Amended and Restated HL&P Executive Incentive Compensation Plan effective as of January 1, 1985](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031008000023/ex10-2.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 | 1-31447 | 10.2 | X |  |  |
| 10(o)(2) | <u>[First Amendment to Exhibit 10(o)(1) effective as of January 1, 2008](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031008000023/ex10-3.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 | 1-31447 | 10.3 | X |  |  |
| \*10(p)(1) | <u>[CenterPoint Energy, Inc. 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312509052753/ddef14a.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Schedule 14A dated March 13, 2009 | 1-31447 | A | X |  |  |
| \*10(p)(2) | <u>[Form of Performance Award Agreement for 20XX - 20XX Performance Cycle under Exhibit 10(p)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031020000016/cnpexhibit10q212312019.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 | 1-31447 | 10(q)(2) | X |  |  |
| \*10(p)(3) | <u>[Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Service-Based Vesting) under Exhibit 10(p)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031020000016/cnpexhibit10q512312019.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 | 1-31447 | 10(q)(5) | X |  |  |

---

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| \*10(p)(4) | <u>[Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Retention, Service-Based Vesting) under Exhibit 10(p)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031020000067/exhibit104ceoretention.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated June 30, 2020 | 1-31447 | 10.4 | X |  |  |
| \*10(p)(5) | <u>[Form of Performance Award Agreement for the Chief Executive Officer under Exhibit 10(p)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031020000067/exhibit102ceopsu.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated June 30, 2020 | 1-31447 | 10.2 | X |  |  |
| \*10(p)(6) | <u>[Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for the Chief Executive Officer under Exhibit 10(p)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031020000067/exhibit103ceorsu.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated June 30, 2020 | 1-31447 | 10.3 | X |  |  |
| \*10(p)(7) | <u>[Form of Award Agreement for Performance Share Units for Named Executive Officers (Separation) under Exhibit 10(p)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031020000033/exhibit101psuawardagre.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K/A dated June 30, 2020 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| \*10(p)(8) | <u>[Form of Award Agreement for Restricted Stock Units for Named Executive Officers (Separation) under Exhibit 10(p)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031020000033/exhibit102rsuawardagre.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K/A dated June 30, 2020 | 1-31447 | 10.2 | X |  |  |
| \*10(p)(9) | <u>[Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Service-Based Vesting with Performance Goals) under Exhibit 10(p)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031021000009/cnpexhibit10q1212312020.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 | 1-31447 | 10(q)(12) | X |  |  |
| \*10(p)(10) | <u>[Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for CEO (Service-Based Vesting with Performance Goals) under Exhibit 10(p)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031021000009/cnpexhibit10q1312312020.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 | 1-31447 | 10(q)(13) | X |  |  |
| \*10(p)(11) | <u>[Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Fully Vested) under Exhibit 10(p)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031020000019/exhibit101.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K/A dated February 19, 2020 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| \*10(p)(12) | <u>[Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for the Chief Executive Officer under Exhibit 10(p)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000119312521221415/d174067dex101.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated July 20, 2021 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| \*10(q)(1) | <u>[CenterPoint Energy, Inc.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312517151944/d372078dex101.htm)[Change in Control Plan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312517151944/d372078dex101.htm)[,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312517151944/d372078dex101.htm)[as amended and restated effective May 1, 2017](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312517151944/d372078dex101.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated April 27, 2017 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| \*10(q)(2) | <u>[First Amendment to Exhibit 10(q)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031021000009/cnpexhibit10t212312020.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 | 1-31447 | 10(t)(2) | X |  |  |
| \*10(q)(3) | <u>[Second Amendment to Exhibit 10(q)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031022000023/exhibit10q3.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 | 1-31447 | 10(q)(3) | X |  |  |
| \*10(q)(4) | <u>[Third Amendment to Exhibit 10(q)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000113031024000066/exhibit101thirdamendmentch.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |

---

------

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| \*10(r) | <u>[Omnibus Amendment to CenterPoint Energy, Inc. Benefit Plans, dated May 23, 2013](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031014000005/cnp_exhibit10zzx12312013.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 | 1-31447 | 10(zz) | X |  |  |
| \*10(s)(1) | <u>[Vectren Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2001](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1096385/000109638502000012/vvc-ex10x32_nonqual.txt)</u> | Vectren's Form 10-K for the year end December 31, 2001 | 1-15467 | 10.32 | X |  |  |
| \*10(s)(2) | <u>[July 1, 2002 Amendment to Exhibit 10(s)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000113031024000010/exhibit10s2.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 | 1-31447 | 10(s)(2) | X |  |  |
| \*10(t)(1) | <u>[Vectren Corporation Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2005](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1096385/000112954208000035/ex10_3.htm)</u> | Vectren's Form 8-K dated September 29, 2008 | 1-15467 | 10.3 | X |  |  |
| \*10(t)(2) | <u>[Partial Termination Amendment to Exhibit 10(t)(1), effective as of January 1, 2005](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000113031024000066/exhibit102-esgterminationa.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 | 1-31447 | 10.2 | X |  |  |
| \*10(u)(1) | <u>[Vectren Nonqualified Defined Benefit Restoration Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2005](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1096385/000090883408000471/vc_8k1218ex102.htm)</u> | Vectren's Form 8-K dated December 17, 2008 | 1-15467 | 10.2 | X |  |  |
| \*10(u)(2) | <u>[First Amendment to Exhibit 10(u)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000113031024000010/exhibit10u2.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 | 1-31447 | 10(u)(2) | X |  |  |
| \*10(v) | <u>[Vectren Unfunded Supplemental Retirement Plan for a Select Group of Management Employees (As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2005)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1096385/000090883408000471/vc_8k1218ex101.htm)</u> | Vectren's Form 8-K dated December 17, 2008 | 1-15467 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| \*10(w) | <u>[Vectren Specimen Waiver, effective October 3, 2013, to the Vectren Unfunded Supplemental Retirement Plan for a Select Group of Management Employees](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1096385/000109638513000071/vvc9302013ex101.htm)</u> | Vectren's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 | 1-15467 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| \*10(x)(1) | <u>[CenterPoint Energy, Inc. 2022 Long Term Incentive Plan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312522073412/d333523ddef14a.htm#toc333523_55)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Definitive Proxy Statement filed on March 11, 2022 | 1-31447 | Appendix A | X |  |  |
| \*10(x)(2) | <u>[Form of Performance Award Agreement for 20XX-20XX Performance Cycle for the CEO under Exhibit 10(x)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031022000056/exhibit102finalcnp_2022ceo.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's 8-K dated April 22, 2022 | 1-31447 | 10.2 | X |  |  |
| \*10(x)(3) | <u>[Form of Performance Award Agreement for 20XX-20XX Performance Cycle for officers and director employees under Exhibit 10(x)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031022000056/exhibit103finalcnp_2022psu.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's 8-K dated April 22, 2022 | 1-31447 | 10.3 | X |  |  |
| \*10(x)(4) | <u>[Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under Exhibit 10(x)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031022000056/exhibit104finalcnp_2022ret.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's 8-K dated April 22, 2022 | 1-31447 | 10.4 | X |  |  |

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| \*10(x)(5) | <u>[Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for the CEO (with Performance Goals) under Exhibit 10(x)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031022000056/exhibit105finalcnp_2022rsu.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's 8-K dated April 22, 2022 | 1-31447 | 10.5 | X |  |  |
| \*10(x)(6) | <u>[Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Officers and Director Employees (with Performance Goals) under Exhibit 10(x)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031022000056/exhibit107finalcnp_2022rsu.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's 8-K dated April 22, 2022 | 1-31447 | 10.7 | X |  |  |
| \*10(x)(7) | <u>[Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for the CEO under Exhibit 10(x)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031022000056/exhibit108finalcnp_2022ceo.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's 8-K dated April 22, 2022 | 1-31447 | 10.8 | X |  |  |
| \*10(x)(8) | <u>[Form of Performance Award Agreement for the President and Chief Operating Officer under Exhibit 10(x)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031023000013/exhibit10ee9formofperforma.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 | 1-31447 | 10(ee)(9) | X |  |  |
| \*10(x)(9) | <u>[Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for President and Chief Operating Officer (with Performance Goals) under Exhibit 10(x)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031023000013/exhibit10ee10formofrsu.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 | 1-31447 | 10(ee)(10) | X |  |  |
| \*10(x)(10) | <u>[Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under Exhibit 10(x)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031023000052/exhibit102rsuagreement.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated March 15, 2023 | 1-31447 | 10.2 | X |  |  |
| \*10(x)(11) | <u>[Form of Award Agreement for Performance Share Units for Officer and Director Employees](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031023000127/exhibit101psuawardagreem.htm)[under Exhibit 10(x)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031023000127/exhibit101psuawardagreem.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated September 27, 2023 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| \*10(x)(12) | <u>[Form of Award Agreement for Restricted Stock Units for Officer and Director](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031023000127/exhibit102rsuawardagreem.htm)[under Exhibit 10(x)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031023000127/exhibit102rsuawardagreem.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated September 27, 2023 | 1-31447 | 10.2 | X |  |  |
| \*10(x)(13) | <u>[Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Officers and Director Employees (with Performance Goals) under Exhibit 10(x)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000113031024000010/exhibit10cc13rsuwithperfor.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 | 1-31447 | 10(cc)(13) | X |  |  |
| \*10(x)(14) | <u>[Form of Performance Award Agreement for Officers and Director Employees under Exhibit 10(x)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000113031024000010/exhibit10cc14psuofficersan.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 | 1-31447 | 10(cc)(14) | X |  |  |
| \*10(x)(15) | <u>[Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under Exhibit 10(x)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042773/000113031024000010/exhibit10cc15rsuwithperfor.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 | 1-31447 | 10(cc)(15) | X |  |  |
| †\*10(x)(16) | <u>[Form of Performance Award Agreement for Chair of Board, President & Chief Executive Officer under Exhibit 10(](exhibit10x16-cnp_2026psu.htm)[x](exhibit10x16-cnp_2026psu.htm)[)(1)](exhibit10x16-cnp_2026psu.htm)</u> |  |  |  | X |  |  |
| †\*10(x)(17) | <u>[Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Chair of Board, President & Chief Executive Officer under Exhibit 10(](exhibit10x17-cnp_2026rsu.htm)[x](exhibit10x17-cnp_2026rsu.htm)[)(1)](exhibit10x17-cnp_2026rsu.htm)</u> |  |  |  | X |  |  |

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| 10(y)(1) | <u>[$2,400,000,000 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 6, 2022 among CenterPoint Energy, Inc., as Borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, the financial institutions as bank parties thereto and the other parties thereto](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000119312522300186/d375965dex101.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's 8-K dated December 6, 2022 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| 10(y)(2) | <u>[First Amendment to Exhibit 10(y)(1), dated as of July 26, 2023](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031023000110/exhibit101-firstamendmentt.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| 10(y)(3) | <u>[Extension Agreement to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000013/exhibit101cnpextensionagre.htm)[Exhibit 10(y)(1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000013/exhibit101cnpextensionagre.htm)[, dated as of January 29, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000013/exhibit101cnpextensionagre.htm)</u>  | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated January 29, 2025 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| 10(z)(1) | <u>[$300,000,000 Credit Agreement dated as of December 6, 2022 among CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC, as Borrower, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as Administrative Agent, the financial institutions as bank parties thereto and the other parties thereto](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000119312522300186/d375965dex102.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's 8-K dated December 6, 2022 | 1-31447 | 10.2 |  | X |  |
| 10(z)(2) | <u>[Extension Agreement to Exhibit 10(](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000013/exhibit102ceheextensionagr.htm)[z](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000013/exhibit102ceheextensionagr.htm)[)(1), dated as of January 29, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000013/exhibit102ceheextensionagr.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated January 29, 2025 | 1-31447 | 10.2 |  | X |  |
| 10(aa)(1) | <u>[$1,050,000,000 Credit Agreement dated as of December 6, 2022 among CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp., as Borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, the financial institutions as bank parties thereto and the other parties thereto](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000119312522300186/d375965dex103.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's 8-K dated December 6, 2022 | 1-31447 | 10.3 |  |  | X |
| 10(aa)(2) | <u>[Extension Agreement to Exhibit 10(](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000013/exhibit103cercextensionagr.htm)[aa](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000013/exhibit103cercextensionagr.htm)[)(1), dated as of January 29, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000013/exhibit103cercextensionagr.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated January 29, 2025 | 1-31447 | 10.3 |  |  | X |
| 10(bb)(1) | <u>[$250,000,000 Credit Agreement dated as of December 6, 2022 among Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company, as Borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, the financial institutions as bank parties thereto and the other parties thereto](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000119312522300186/d375965dex104.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's 8-K dated December 6, 2022 | 1-31447 | 10.4 | X |  |  |
| 10(bb)(2) | <u>[Extension Agreement to Exhibit 10(](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000013/exhibit104sigecoextensiona.htm)[bb](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000013/exhibit104sigecoextensiona.htm)[)(1), dated as of January 29, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000013/exhibit104sigecoextensiona.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated January 29, 2025 | 1-31447 | 10.4 | X |  |  |

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| 10(cc)(1) | <u>[Term Loan Agreement dated as of June 24, 2024 among CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC as borrower, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as administrative agent, and the banks party thereto](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312524167028/d811993dex101.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated June 24, 2024 | 1-31447 | 10.1 |  | X |  |
| 10(cc)(2) | <u>[First Amendment to Exhibit 10(](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000110465925114622/tm2531796d1_ex10-2.htm)[cc](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000110465925114622/tm2531796d1_ex10-2.htm)[)(1), dated as of](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000110465925114622/tm2531796d1_ex10-2.htm)[November 20, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000110465925114622/tm2531796d1_ex10-2.htm)</u> | Houston Electric's Form 8-K dated November 20, 2025 | 1-3187 | 10.2 |  | X |  |
| \*10(dd) | <u>[Christopher A. Foster Offer Letter](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48732/000113031023000052/exhibit101offerletter.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated March 15, 2023 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| 10(ee) | <u>[Bond Purchase Agreement dated March 15, 2023 among SIGECO and the purchasers listed on Schedule B thereto](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312523072741/d481093dex101.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated March 15, 2023 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| 10(ff) | <u>[Bond Purchase Agreement dated October 13, 2023 among SIGECO and the purchasers listed on Schedule B thereto](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312523256879/d527620dex101.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated October 13, 2023 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| 10(gg) | <u>[Bond Purchase Agreement dated August 29, 2024 among Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company and the purchasers listed on Schedule B thereto](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312524209934/d846325dex101.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated August 29, 2024 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| 10(hh) | <u>[Bond Purchase Agreement dated July 1, 2025 among Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company and the purchasers listed on Schedule B thereto](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000105/exhibit101bondpurchaseag.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated July 1, 2025 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| 10(ii) | <u>[Equity Distribution Agreement, dated January 10, 2024, among CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and BofA Securities, Inc., Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Mizuho Securities USA LLC, MUFG Securities Americas Inc. and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, as managers, Bank of America, N.A., Barclays Bank PLC, Citibank, N.A., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Mizuho Markets Americas LLC, MUFG Securities EMEA plc and Royal Bank of Canada, as forward purchasers, and BofA Securities, Inc., Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Mizuho Securities USA LLC, MUFG Securities Americas Inc. and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, as forward sellers](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001130310/000119312524006148/d389888d8k.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated January 10, 2024 | 1-31447 | 1.1 | X |  |  |

---

------

---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| 10(jj) | <u>[Confirmation of Forward Sale Transaction, dated May 27, 2025, between](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312525129594/d32980dex101.htm)[CenterPoint Energy, I](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312525129594/d32980dex101.htm)[n](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312525129594/d32980dex101.htm)[c.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312525129594/d32980dex101.htm)[and Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as a forward purchaser](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312525129594/d32980dex101.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated May 28, 2025 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| 10(kk) | <u>[Confirmation of Forward Sale Transaction, dated May 27, 2025, between CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312525129594/d32980dex102.htm)[Mizuho Markets Americas LLC (with Mizuho Securities USA LLC acting as agent), in its capacity as a forward purchaser](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312525129594/d32980dex102.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated May 28, 2025 | 1-31447 | 10.2 | X |  |  |
| 10(ll) | <u>[Confirmation of Forward Sale Transaction, dated May 27, 2025, between CenterPoint Energy, Inc.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312525129594/d32980dex103.htm)[and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, in its capacity as a forward purchaser](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312525129594/d32980dex103.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated May 28, 2025 | 1-31447 | 10.3 | X |  |  |
| 10(mm) | <u>[Confirmation of Forward Sale Transaction, dated May 2](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312525130167/d830303dex101.htm)[8](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312525130167/d830303dex101.htm)[, 2025, between CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as a forward purchaser](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312525130167/d830303dex101.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated May 29, 2025 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| 10(nn) | <u>[Confirmation of Forward Sale Transaction, dated May 2](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312525130167/d830303dex102.htm)[8](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312525130167/d830303dex102.htm)[, 2025, between CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and Mizuho Markets Americas LLC (with Mizuho Securities USA LLC acting as agent), in its capacity as a forward purchaser](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312525130167/d830303dex102.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated May 29, 2025 | 1-31447 | 10.2 | X |  |  |
| 10(oo) | <u>[Confirmation of Forward Sale Transaction, dated May 2](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312525130167/d830303dex103.htm)[8](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312525130167/d830303dex103.htm)[, 2025, between CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, in its capacity as a forward purchaser](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000119312525130167/d830303dex103.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated May 29, 2025 | 1-31447 | 10.3 | X |  |  |
| \*10(pp) | <u>[Jesus Soto, Jr.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000108/offerletter-evpcooxjesus.htm)[Offer Letter](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000108/offerletter-evpcooxjesus.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's Form 8-K dated July 21, 2025 | 1-31447 | 10.1 | X |  |  |
| 19 | <u>[Insider Trading Policy](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1130310/000113031025000040/a19-cnpinsidertradingpol.htm)</u> | CenterPoint Energy's 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 | 1-31447 | 19 | X |  |  |
| †21.1 | <u>[Subsidiaries of CenterPoint Energy](cnp_exhibit211x12312025.htm)</u> |  |  |  | X |  |  |
| †21.2 | <u>[Subsidiaries of CERC Corp.](cerc_exhibit212x12312025.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  |  | X |
| †23.1.1 | <u>[Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP](exhibit23112025.htm)</u> |  |  |  | X |  |  |
| †23.1.2 | <u>[Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP](exhibit23122025.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  | X |  |
| †23.1.3 | <u>[Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP](exhibit23132025.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  |  | X |
| †31.1.1 | <u>[Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Jason P. Wells](cnp_exhibit3111x12312025.htm)</u> |  |  |  | X |  |  |
| †31.1.2 | <u>[Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of](cehe_exhibit3112x12312025.htm)[Jesus Soto, Jr.](cehe_exhibit3112x12312025.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  | X |  |
| †31.1.3 | <u>[Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of](cerc_exhibit3113x12312025.htm)[Jesus Soto, Jr.](cerc_exhibit3113x12312025.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  |  | X |

---

------

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Report or Registration Statement** | **SEC File or<br>Registration<br>Number** | **Exhibit<br>Reference** | **CenterPoint Energy** | **Houston Electric** | **CERC** |
| †31.2.1 | <u>[Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Christopher A. Foster](cnp_exhibit3121x12312025.htm)</u> |  |  |  | X |  |  |
| †31.2.2 | <u>[Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Christopher A. Foster](cehe_exhibit3122x12312025.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  | X |  |
| †31.2.3 | <u>[Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Christopher A. Foster](cerc_exhibit3123x12312025.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  |  | X |
| †32.1.1 | <u>[Section 1350 Certification of Jason P. Wells](cnp_exhibit3211x12312025.htm)</u> |  |  |  | X |  |  |
| †32.1.2 | <u>[Section 1350 Certification of](cehe_exhibit3212x12312025.htm)[Jesus Soto, Jr.](cehe_exhibit3212x12312025.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  | X |  |
| †32.1.3 | <u>[Section 1350 Certification of](cerc_exhibit3213x12312025.htm)[Jesus Soto, Jr.](cerc_exhibit3213x12312025.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  |  | X |
| †32.2.1 | <u>[Section 1350 Certification of Christopher A. Foster](cnp_exhibit3221x12312025.htm)</u> |  |  |  | X |  |  |
| †32.2.2 | <u>[Section 1350 Certification of Christopher A. Foster](cehe_exhibit3222x12312025.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  | X |  |
| †32.2.3 | <u>[Section 1350 Certification of Christopher A. Foster](cerc_exhibit3223x12312025.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  |  | X |
| †97.1 | <u>[CenterPoint Energy's Executive Officer Recovery Policy](cnp_ex9712025cnparexecut.htm)</u> |  |  |  | X |  |  |
| †97.2 | <u>[Houston Electric's Amended and Restated Executive Officer Recovery Policy](cehe_ex9722025ceheexecut.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  | X |  |
| †97.3 | <u>[CERC's Amended and Restated Executive Officer Recovery Policy](cerc_ex9732025cercexecut.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  |  | X |
| †101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document |  |  |  | X | X | X |
| †101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |  |  |  | X | X | X |
| †101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |  |  |  | X | X | X |
| †101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |  |  |  | X | X | X |
| †101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document |  |  |  | X | X | X |
| †101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |  |  |  | X | X | X |
| †104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) |  |  |  | X | X | X |

---

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**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, the State of Texas, on the 19th day of February, 2026.

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| |
|:---|
| **CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.** |
| (Registrant) |
| By: <u>/s/ JASON P. WELLS</u> |
| Jason P. Wells |
| *Chair of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer* |

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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 19, 2026.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Signature** | **Title** |
| <u>/s/ JASON P. WELLS</u> | Chair of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer |
| Jason P. Wells | (Principal Executive Officer and Director) |
| <u>/s/ CHRISTOPHER A. FOSTER</u> | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
| Christopher A. Foster | (Principal Financial Officer) |
| <u>/s/ KRISTIE L. COLVIN</u> | Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer |
| Kristie L. Colvin | (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
| <u>/s/ WENDOLYNN MONTOYA CLOONAN</u> | Director |
| Wendolynn Montoya Cloonan | |
| <u>/s/ BARBARA J. DUGANIER</u> | Director |
| Barbara J. Duganier | |
| <u>/s/ LAURIE L. FITCH</u> | Director |
| Laurie L. Fitch | |
| <u>/s/ CHRISTOPHER H. FRANKLIN</u> | Director |
| Christopher H. Franklin | |
| <u>/s/ RAQUELLE W. LEWIS</u> | Director |
| Raquelle W. Lewis | |
| <u>/s/ THADDEUS J. MALIK</u> | Director |
| Thaddeus J. Malik | |
| <u>/s/ MANUEL B. MIRANDA</u> | Director |
| Manuel B. Miranda | |
| <u>/s/ THEODORE F. POUND</u> | Director |
| Theodore F. Pound | |
| <u>/s/ DEAN L. SEAVERS</u> | Director |
| Dean L. Seavers | |
| <u>/s/ PHILLIP R. SMITH</u> | Director |
| Phillip R. Smith | |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC** |
| | (Registrant) |
| By: | /s/ JESUS SOTO, JR. |
|  | Jesus Soto, Jr. |
|  | *President and Chief Executive Officer* |

---

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 19, 2026.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Signature** | **Title** |
| /s/ JESUS SOTO, JR. | President and Chief Executive Officer |
| Jesus Soto, Jr. | (Principal Executive Officer) |
| /s/ CHRISTOPHER A. FOSTER | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
| Christopher A. Foster | (Principal Financial Officer) |
| /s/ KRISTIE L. COLVIN | Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer |
| Kristie L. Colvin | (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |

---

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.** |
| | (Registrant) |
| By: | /s/ JESUS SOTO, JR. |
|  | Jesus Soto, Jr. |
|  | *President and Chief Executive Officer* |

---

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 19, 2026.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Signature** | **Title** |
| /s/ JESUS SOTO, JR. | President and Chief Executive Officer  |
| Jesus Soto, Jr. | (Principal Executive Officer and Director) |
| /s/ CHRISTOPHER A. FOSTER | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
| Christopher A. Foster | (Principal Financial Officer) |
| /s/ KRISTIE L. COLVIN | Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer |
| Kristie L. Colvin | (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |

---

## Ex-4.T

![](cnp_exhibit4tx12312025001.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exhibit 4(t) DESCRIPTION OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.'S SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 As of December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. has one class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"): (1) our common stock, par value $0.01 per share. As used in this Exhibit 4(t), the terms "CenterPoint Energy," "us," "we" or "our" refer to CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and not any of its subsidiaries. CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is authorized to issue up to 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. DESCRIPTION OF OUR COMMON STOCK The following description of our common stock is a summary and does not purport to be complete. It is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our Restated Articles of Incorporation ("Articles of Incorporation") and Fifth Amended and Restated Bylaws ("Bylaws"), each of which are incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of which this Exhibit 4(t) is a part. We encourage you to read our Articles of Incorporation, our Bylaws and the applicable provisions of the Texas Business Organizations Code ("TBOC") for additional information. Voting Rights. Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders, including the election of directors. There are no cumulative voting rights. Subject to the voting rights expressly conferred to the holders of our preferred stock, the holders of our common stock possess exclusive full voting power for the election of directors and for all other purposes. Our Bylaws provide that, in an uncontested election, director nominees are elected by the vote of a majority of the votes cast with respect to the director by shareholders entitled to vote in the election of directors at a meeting of shareholders at which a quorum is present. An election is contested if, (x) the secretary receives notice that one or more shareholders has proposed to nominate one or more persons for election or re-election to the board of directors, which notice purports to be in compliance with the advance notice requirements for shareholder nominations set forth in the Bylaws, irrespective of whether the board of directors at any time determines that any such notice is not in compliance with such requirements, and (y) such nomination or nominations have not been formally and irrevocably withdrawn by such shareholder(s) on or prior to the date that is 14 days in advance of the date we file our definitive proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in which case directors will be elected by the vote of a plurality of the votes cast by shareholders entitled to vote in the election of directors at a meeting of shareholders at which a quorum is present. Dividends. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any of our outstanding preferred stock, the holders of our common stock are entitled to dividends when, as and if declared by the board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. Liquidation Rights. If we are liquidated, terminated or wound up, the holders of our common stock will be entitled to a pro rata share in any distribution to shareholders, but only after satisfaction of all of our liabilities and of

------

![](cnp_exhibit4tx12312025002.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2 the prior rights of any outstanding class of our preferred stock, which may include the right to participate further with the holders of our common stock in the distribution of any of our remaining assets. Preemptive Rights. Holders of our common stock are not entitled to any preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. Transfer Agent and Registrar. Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc. serves as transfer agent and registrar for our common stock. Other Provisions. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our common stock. No personal liability will attach to holders of such shares under the laws of the State of Texas. Subject to the provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws imposing certain supermajority voting provisions, the rights of the holders of shares of our common stock may not be modified except by a vote of at least a majority of the shares outstanding entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class. Preferred Stock Our board of directors may cause us to issue preferred stock from time to time in one or more series and may fix the number of shares and the terms of each series without the approval of our shareholders. Our board of directors may determine the terms of each series, including: • the designation of the series, • dividend rates and payment dates, • whether dividends will be cumulative, non-cumulative or partially cumulative, and related terms, • redemption rights, • liquidation rights, • sinking fund provisions, • conversion rights, • voting rights, and • any other terms. The statement of resolutions establishing any series of preferred stock will include specific terms relating to such series of preferred stock. We will file the statement of resolutions with the Texas Secretary of State before we issue any of it. The statement of resolutions establishing a series of preferred stock will include some or all of the following terms: • the title of the preferred stock, • the maximum number of shares of the series,

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![](cnp_exhibit4tx12312025003.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3 • the dividend rate or the method of calculating the dividend, the date from which dividends will accrue and whether dividends will be cumulative, • any liquidation preference, • any optional redemption provisions, • any sinking fund or other provisions that would obligate us to redeem or purchase the preferred stock, • any terms for the conversion or exchange of the preferred stock for other securities of us or any other entity, • any voting rights, and • any other preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights or any qualifications, limitations or restrictions on the rights of the shares. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing desired flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could adversely affect the voting power of holders of our common stock. It could also affect the likelihood that holders of our common stock will receive dividend payments and payments upon liquidation. The issuance of shares of preferred stock, or the issuance of rights to purchase shares of preferred stock, could be used to discourage an attempt to obtain control of us. For example, if, in the exercise of its fiduciary obligations, our board were to determine that a takeover proposal was not in our best interest, the board could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock containing class voting rights that would enable the holder or holders of the series to prevent or make the change of control transaction more difficult. Alternatively, a change of control transaction deemed by the board to be in our best interest could be facilitated by issuing a series of preferred stock having sufficient voting rights to provide a required percentage vote of the shareholders. Anti-Takeover Effects of Texas Laws and Our Charter and Bylaw Provisions Some provisions of Texas law and our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws could make the following actions more difficult: • acquisition of us by means of a tender offer, • acquisition of control of us by means of a proxy contest or otherwise, or • removal of our incumbent officers and directors. These provisions are designed to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors. We believe that the benefits of this increased protection gives us the potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us, and that the benefits of this increased protection outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging those proposals, because negotiation of those proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.

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![](cnp_exhibit4tx12312025004.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 Charter and Bylaw Provisions Election and Removal of Directors. The number of members of our board of directors will be fixed from time to time by resolution of the board of directors. Except for voting rights as may be provided to holders of preferred stock, at each annual meeting of shareholders, all directors are elected to hold office for a term expiring at the next succeeding annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors have been elected and qualified. No director may be removed except for cause, and, subject to the voting rights expressly conferred to the holders of our preferred stock, directors may be removed for cause only by the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote in an election of directors. Subject to the voting rights expressly conferred to the holders of our preferred stock, any vacancy occurring on the board of directors and any newly created directorship may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors in office or by election by the shareholders. Shareholder Meetings. Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that special meetings of holders of common stock may be called only by the chair of our board of directors, our chief executive officer, the president, the secretary, a majority of our board of directors or the holders of at least 50% of the shares of our capital stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting. Modification of Articles of Incorporation. In general, amendments to our Articles of Incorporation that are recommended by the board of directors require the affirmative vote of holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote thereon. The provisions described above under "— Election and Removal of Directors" and "— Shareholder Meetings" may be amended only by the affirmative vote of holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of all outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors. The provisions described below under "— Modification of Bylaws" may be amended only by the affirmative vote of holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors. Modification of Bylaws. Our board of directors has the power to alter, amend or repeal the Bylaws or adopt new Bylaws by the affirmative vote of at least 80% of all directors then in office at any regular or special meeting of the board of directors. The shareholders also have the power to alter, amend or repeal the Bylaws or adopt new Bylaws by the affirmative vote of holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors, voting together as a single class. Other Limitations on Shareholder Actions. Our Bylaws also impose some procedural requirements on shareholders who wish to: • make nominations in the election of directors, • propose that a director be removed, • propose any repeal or change in the Bylaws, or • propose any other business to be brought before an annual or special meeting of shareholders. Under these procedural requirements, a shareholder must deliver timely notice in proper written form (as specified in the Bylaws) to our secretary of the nomination or proposal along with evidence of, among other things:

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![](cnp_exhibit4tx12312025005.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5 • the shareholder's status as a shareholder, • the number of shares beneficially owned by the shareholder, • a list of the persons with whom the shareholder is acting in concert, and • the number of shares such persons beneficially own. To be timely, a shareholder must deliver the notice: • in connection with an annual meeting of shareholders, not later than the close of business on the 90th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 180th day prior to the first anniversary of the date on which the immediately preceding year's annual meeting of shareholders was held; provided that if the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days prior to or delayed by more than 60 days after the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting of shareholders, not earlier than the close of business 180 days prior to the annual meeting and not later than the last to occur of the close of business (i) the 90th day prior to the annual meeting or (ii) the 10th day following the day on which we first make public • in connection with the nomination of director candidates at a special meeting of shareholders, generally not later than the close of business on the 40th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 60th day prior to the date of the special meeting To submit a nomination for the board of directors, a shareholder must also submit information with respect to the nominee that we would be required to include in a proxy statement, and, with respect to a nomination for an annual meeting, reasonable evidence that it has complied with the requirements of Rule 14a-19 of the Exchange Act not later than eight business days prior to the date of the meeting, as well as certain other information relating to the candidate's eligibility, including any required updates or supplements to such information as of the record date for the meeting and as of the date that is ten business days prior to the meeting. If a shareholder fails to follow the required procedures, the shareholder's nominee or proposal will be ineligible and will not be voted on by our shareholders. In addition to the director nomination provisions described above, our Bylaws contain a "proxy access" provision that provides that any shareholder or group of up to twenty shareholders who have owned 3% or more of our outstanding capital stock continuously for at least three years to nominate and include in our proxy materials for an annual meeting of shareholders, director candidates constituting up to 20% of our board of directors or two directors, whichever is greater, provided that the shareholder (or group) and each nominee satisfy the eligibility requirements specified in our Bylaws. An eligible shareholder (or group) proposing to nominate a person for election to our board of directors through the proxy access provision must provide us with a notice requesting the inclusion of the director nominee in our proxy materials and other required information not less than 120 days nor more than 150 days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which the immediately preceding year's annual meeting of shareholders was held. In addition, an eligible shareholder (or group) may include a written statement of not more than 500 words supporting the candidacy of such shareholder nominee. The complete proxy access provision for director nominations are set forth in our Bylaws. In connection with a special meeting of shareholders, the only business that will be conducted is that stated in the notice of special meeting, or otherwise properly brought and made in proper written form before the meeting by or at the direction of the Chair of the Meeting or the board of directors. Shareholders requesting a special meeting are permitted to make proposals for matters to be brought before the meeting in their request.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6 Limitation on Liability of Directors. Our Articles of Incorporation provide that no director will be personally liable to us or our shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except as required by law as in effect from time to time. Currently, Texas law requires that liability be imposed for the following actions: • any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to us or our shareholders, • any act or omission not in good faith that constitutes a breach of duty of the director to the corporation or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, • a transaction from which the director received an improper benefit, regardless of whether or not the benefit resulted from an action taken within the scope of a director's duties, and • an act or omission for which the liability of a director is expressly provided for by statute. Our Bylaws provide that we will indemnify our current or former officers and directors and advance expenses to them in connection with proceedings and claims, to the fullest extent permitted by the TBOC. The Bylaws authorize our board of directors to indemnify and advance expenses to people other than our current or former officers and directors in certain circumstances. Choice of Forum Our Bylaws provide that, unless we consent to the selection of an alternative forum, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas or, if such court lacks jurisdiction, the Eleventh Business Court Division of the Texas Business Court, located in Harris County, Texas, shall be the sole and exclusive forum for certain actions brought on behalf of the company or asserting claims against the company or its directors, officers or employees. Our Bylaws also provide that the federal district courts of the United States will be the sole and exclusive forum for claims arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Shareholder Derivative Proceedings As permitted by the TBOC, our Bylaws provide that no shareholder (as defined in Section 21.551(2) of the TBOC) or group of such shareholders may institute or maintain a derivative proceeding brought on behalf of the Company against any director and/or officer of the Company in such person's official capacity unless the shareholder or group of shareholders, at the time the derivative proceeding is instituted, beneficially owns a number of shares of our common stock sufficient to meet an ownership threshold of at least 3% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Jury Trial Waiver As permitted by the TBOC, our Bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to a jury trial, the Company and each shareholder, director, and officer of the Company irrevocably and unconditionally waives any right that such person or entity may have to a trial by jury in any legal action, proceeding, cause of action, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim arising out of or relating to any "internal entity claim" under the TBOC, and each shareholder agrees that their holding or acquisition of shares of capital stock of the Company or, to the extent permitted by law, options or rights to acquire shares of capital stock of the Company, constitutes such shareholder's intentional and knowing waiver of any right to trial by jury with respect to such claim.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7 Texas Anti-Takeover Law We are subject to Section 21.606 of the TBOC. That section prohibits Texas public corporations from engaging in a wide range of specified transactions with any affiliated shareholder during the three-year period immediately following the affiliated shareholder's acquisition of shares in the absence of certain board of director or shareholder approvals. An affiliated shareholder of a corporation is any person, other than the corporation and any of its wholly owned subsidiaries, that is or was within the preceding three-year period the beneficial owner of 20% or more of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. Section 21.606 may deter any potential unfriendly offers or other efforts to obtain control of us that are not approved by our board of directors. This may deprive our shareholders of opportunities to sell shares of our common stock at a premium to the prevailing market price. Listing. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the NYSE Texas under the trading symbol "CNP."

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## Ex-4.U

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exhibit 4(u) DESCRIPTION OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC'S SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 As of December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC has one class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"): (1) our 6.95% general mortgage bonds due 2033 ("General Mortgage Bonds"). As used in this Exhibit 4(u), the terms "CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC," "us," "we" or "our" refer to CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and not any of its subsidiaries. DESCRIPTION OF OUR GENERAL MORTGAGE BONDS The following description of our General Mortgage Bonds is a summary and does not purport to be complete. It is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our General Mortgage Indenture dated as of October 10, 2002 with The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (successor in trust to JPMorgan Chase Bank), as trustee, as amended and supplemented, in the case of the General Mortgage Bonds, by the Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 18, 2003, each of which are incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of which this Exhibit 4(u) is a part. We encourage you to read the above referenced General Mortgage Indenture and Tenth Supplemental Indenture for additional information. General The bonds were issued under the General Mortgage Indenture (the "indenture"), dated as of October 10, 2002, between us and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as trustee (the "trustee"), as amended and supplemented. The descriptions under this heading and the heading "The Indenture" are summaries of the material provisions of the bonds and the indenture. Such summaries do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the indenture and the bonds. References to article and section numbers in this offering memorandum, unless otherwise indicated, are references to article and section numbers of the indenture. The bonds will bear interest at the rate of 6.95% per annum. Interest on the bonds is payable semi-annually in arrears on each March 15 and September 15 (each an "interest payment date"), commencing September 15, 2003, to the persons in whose names they are registered at the close of business on the fifteenth calendar day preceding each interest payment date; provided, however, that interest payable at maturity (whether at stated maturity, upon redemption or otherwise) will be payable to the registered bondholder to whom principal is payable. The bonds mature on March 15, 2033. The bonds are subject to optional redemption before their maturity as described below. They are not entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund. Interest Interest on the bonds will be payable on each interest payment date for the period commencing on the next preceding interest payment date (or if no interest has been paid thereon, commencing on the date of issuance thereof) to, but not including, such interest payment date. If any interest payment date or the date of maturity falls on a day that is not a business day, all payments to be made on such day shall be made on the next succeeding business day with the same force and effect as if made on the due date, and no additional interest shall be payable as a result of such delay in payment. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2 Any interest payable on any interest payment date other than maturity and not so punctually paid or duly provided for will cease to be payable to the person in whose name the bond is registered at the close of business on the applicable regular record date and will instead be payable to the person in whose name the bond (or one or more predecessor bonds) is registered at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of such interest to be fixed by us, notice of which will be given to the registered holder of the bond (or one or more predecessor bonds) not less than 10 days prior to such special record date. (See Section 307) Payment of Bonds; Transfers; Exchanges Interest, if any, on bonds payable on each interest payment date will be paid to the person in whose name such bond is registered (the registered holder of any indenture bond being hereinafter called a "holder") as of the close of business on the regular record date relating to such interest payment date; provided, however, that interest payable at maturity will be paid to the person to whom principal is paid. However, if there has been a default in the payment of interest on any bond, such defaulted interest may be payable to the holder of such bond as of the close of business on a date selected by the trustee which is not more than 15 days or less than 10 days prior to the date proposed by us for payment of such defaulted interest and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the trustee of the notice of the proposed payment or in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such bond may be listed, if the trustee deems such manner of payment practicable. (See Section 307) The principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the bonds at maturity will be payable upon presentation of the bonds at the corporate trust office of JPMorgan Chase Bank in Houston, Texas as paying agent for us. We may change the place of payment on the bonds, may appoint one or more additional paying agents (including us) and may remove any paying agent, all at our discretion. (See Section 602) The transfer of bonds may be registered, and bonds may be exchanged for other bonds of the same series, of authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount, at the corporate trust office of JPMorgan Chase Bank in Houston, Texas, as bond registrar for the bonds. We may change the place for registration of transfer and exchange of the bonds, and may designate one or more additional places for such registration and exchange, all at our discretion. (See Sections 602 and 305) No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of the bonds; however, we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of bonds. We will not be required to execute or to provide for the registration of transfer of or the exchange of: • any bond during a period of 15 days prior to giving any notice of redemption; or • any bond selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any bond being redeemed in part. (See Section 305) All moneys paid by us to a paying agent or the trustee (or held by us in trust) for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on a bond which remain unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable will be repaid to us at our request, and the holder of such bond thereafter may, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to us for payment thereof, and all liability of the paying agent, the trustee and us (as trustee) with respect thereto shall thereupon cease. (See Section 603) Optional Redemption The bonds may be redeemed in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at our option, at a redemption price equal to the greater of: • 100% of the principal amount of the bonds then outstanding to be redeemed; or

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3 • the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the bonds to be redeemed (not including any portion of such payments of interest accrued to the date of redemption) discounted to the date of redemption on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the applicable treasury rate plus 35 basis points; plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed to the redemption date. "treasury rate" means, with respect to any redemption date: • the yield, under the heading which represents the average for the immediately preceding week, appearing in the most recently published statistical release designated "H.15 (519)" or any successor publication which is published weekly by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and which establishes yields on actively traded U.S. Treasury securities adjusted to constant maturity under the caption "Treasury Constant Maturities," for the maturity corresponding to the comparable treasury issue (if no maturity is within three months before or after the remaining life (as defined below), yields for the two published maturities most closely corresponding to the comparable treasury issue will be determined and the treasury rate will be interpolated or extrapolated from such yields on a straight line basis, rounding to the nearest month); or • if such release (or any successor release) is not published during the week preceding the calculation date or does not contain such yields, the rate per annum equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity of the comparable treasury issue, calculated using a price for the comparable treasury issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the comparable treasury price for such redemption date. The treasury rate will be calculated on the third business day preceding the date fixed for redemption. "comparable treasury issue" means the U.S. Treasury security selected by an independent investment banker as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term ("remaining life") of the bonds to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of such notes. "comparable treasury price" means (1) the average of five reference treasury dealer quotations for such redemption date, after excluding the highest and lowest reference treasury dealer quotations, or (2) if the independent investment banker obtains fewer than four such reference treasury dealer quotations, the average of all such quotations. "independent investment banker" means Credit Suisse First Boston LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. or Salomon Smith Barney Inc., as specified by us, or, if these firms are unwilling or unable to select the comparable treasury issue, an independent investment banking institution of national standing appointed by us. "reference treasury dealer" means (1) Credit Suisse First Boston LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Salomon Smith Barney Inc. and their respective successors, provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a primary U.S. government securities dealer in New York City (a "primary treasury dealer"), we will substitute therefor another primary treasury dealer and (2) any other primary treasury dealer selected by us after consultation with the independent investment banker. "reference treasury dealer quotations" means, with respect to each reference treasury dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the independent investment banker, of the bid and asked prices for the comparable treasury issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the independent investment banker at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the third business day preceding such redemption date.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 The trustee will mail a notice of redemption to each holder of bonds to be redeemed by first-class mail at least 30 and not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption. Unless we default on payment of the redemption price, interest will cease to accrue on the bonds or portions thereof called for redemption. If fewer than all of the bonds are to be redeemed, the trustee will select, not more than 60 days prior to the redemption date, the particular bonds or portions thereof for redemption from the outstanding bonds not previously called by such method as the trustee deems fair and appropriate. THE INDENTURE Security Except as otherwise contemplated below under this heading and subject to the exceptions specifically discussed under "—Release of Property" and "—Defeasance," all outstanding indenture bonds, will be secured, equally and ratably, by the lien of the indenture on substantially all properties owned by us (and not excepted or released from the lien thereof), and improvements, extensions and additions to, and renewals and replacements of, such properties (the "mortgaged property"). The lien of the indenture will be junior, subject and subordinate to the lien of our existing first mortgage indenture. The term "first mortgage indenture" means the Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of November 1, 1944, from our predecessor in interest, Houston Lighting & Power Company, to JPMorgan Chase Bank (successor to South Texas Commercial National Bank of Houston), as trustee, as heretofore and hereafter amended and supplemented and "first mortgage bonds" means the first mortgage bonds issued thereunder. The indenture provides that, after the issuance of the initial series of bonds under the indenture and until the first mortgage collateralization date (as defined at the end of this section), we will not issue any additional first mortgage bonds under the first mortgage indenture, except: • first mortgage bonds in place of, and in substitution for, or to refund, other first mortgage bonds, if (A) the aggregate principal amount of such new first mortgage bonds shall not exceed the aggregate principal amount of such other first mortgage bonds, and (B) the final stated maturity date of such new first mortgage bonds shall be a date not later than the final stated maturity date of such other first mortgage bonds; • as necessary to replace any mutilated, lost or destroyed first mortgage bonds or to effect exchanges and transfers of first mortgage bonds; and • if at any time first mortgage bonds are issued pursuant to the first bullet point above, additional first mortgage bonds in an aggregate principal amount of up to $118 million for the purpose of satisfying the requirement under the indentures pursuant to which certain pollution control bonds were issued by various governmental authorities (which indentures provide that, if we issue first mortgage bonds in certain circumstances, we also are required to issue first mortgage bonds to secure such pollution control bonds on an equal and ratable basis). (See Section 611) At any time, in our discretion, we may issue and deliver to the trustee as security under the indenture first mortgage bonds in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of indenture bonds then outstanding; provided that such first mortgage bonds (the "first mortgage collateral bonds") shall: • have terms of payment equivalent to those of such indenture bonds; • provide that payments by us in respect of principal, premium, if any, or interest due under the indenture bonds will offset our equivalent payment obligations under the first mortgage collateral bonds; and

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5 • provide for the mandatory redemption of the first mortgage collateral bonds upon acceleration of the maturity of such indenture bonds. (See Section 701) The date on which such first mortgage collateral bonds are delivered to the trustee is referred to herein as the "first mortgage collateralization date." Lien of the Indenture General. The indenture constitutes a lien on substantially all our real property and tangible personal property, other than property excepted from such lien and such property as may be released from such lien in accordance with the terms of the indenture, subject to no liens prior to the lien of the indenture other than the lien of the first mortgage indenture (so long as the same remains in effect) and other liens permitted to exist. Permitted liens and certain other liens permitted to exist. The indenture provides that after-acquired property (other than excepted property) will be subject to the lien of the indenture; provided, however, that in the case of our consolidation or merger into another entity or transfer of the mortgaged property as or substantially as an entirety, the indenture will not be required to be a lien upon any of the properties then owned or thereafter acquired by the successor entity except properties acquired from us in or as a result of such transaction, and improvements, extensions and additions to such properties and renewals, replacements and substitutions of or for any part or parts thereof and that in the case of a consolidation or merger with respect to which we are the surviving entity, the indenture will not be required to be a lien on any properties acquired by us in or as a result of such transaction or any improvements, extensions or additions to such properties or any renewals, replacements or substitutions of or for any part or parts thereof. (See Article Thirteen) See "—Consolidation, Merger, Etc." below. In addition, after- acquired property may be subject to liens existing or placed thereon at the time of acquisition thereof, including, but not limited to, purchase money liens. Without the consent of the holders, we and the trustee may enter into supplemental indentures in order to subject to the lien of the indenture additional property (including property which would otherwise be excepted from such lien). (See Section 1401) Such property would thereupon constitute property additions (so long as it would otherwise qualify as property additions as described below) and be available as a basis for the issuance of indenture bonds. See "—Issuance of Indenture Bonds." Excepted Property. There are excepted from the lien of the indenture, among other things: • cash, deposit accounts, shares of stock, interests in general or limited partnerships, securities not deposited with or held by the trustee; • contracts, leases and other agreements of all kinds; • contract rights, bills, notes and other instruments and chattel paper; • revenues, income and earnings, accounts and accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, rents, tolls, issues, product and profits, claims, demands and judgments; • governmental and other licenses, permits, franchises, consents and allowances (except to the extent that any of the same constitute rights or interests relating to the occupancy or use of real property); • certain intellectual property rights, domain names and other general intangibles; • vehicles, movable equipment and aircraft and supplies used in connection with the foregoing; • all goods, stock in trade, wares, merchandise and inventory held for sale or lease in the ordinary course of business;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6 • materials, supplies, inventory and other personal property consumable in the operation of the mortgaged property; fuel; portable tools and equipment; furniture and furnishings; • computers and data processing, telecommunications and certain other facilities and equipment used primarily for administrative or clerical purposes or not otherwise necessary for the operation or maintenance of facilities and equipment for the generation, transmission and distribution of electric energy and our other buildings and improvements; • coal, ore, gas, oil and other minerals and timber; • electric energy, gas (natural or artificial), steam, water and other products generated, produced, manufactured, purchased or otherwise acquired by us; • real property, gas wells, pipelines, and other facilities used or to be used for the production, gathering, transmission, storage or distribution of natural gas, crude oil or other hydrocarbons or minerals; • leasehold interests held by us as lessee; • facilities and equipment for the storage, transmission and distribution of water; and • other property excepted from or released from the lien of the first mortgage indenture prior to the date of the indenture. (See "Excepted Property" under "Granting Clauses" in the indenture and "Granting Clauses" in the first mortgage indenture.) Permitted liens. The lien of the indenture is subject to permitted liens and certain other liens permitted to exist. Under the indenture, permitted liens include the following, among other, liens: • liens for taxes which are not delinquent or are being contested in good faith or which secure charges that do not exceed $5,000,000; • mechanics', workmen's and similar liens and certain other liens arising in the ordinary course of business; • liens in respect of judgments: • in an amount not exceeding the greater of $10 million and 3% of the sum of the then outstanding aggregate principal amount of indenture bonds and first mortgage bonds other than first mortgage collateral bonds then outstanding; or • with respect to which we shall in good faith be prosecuting an appeal or shall have the right to do so; • easements, leases or other rights of others in, and defects in title to, the mortgaged property which do not in the aggregate materially impair the use by us of the mortgaged property considered as a whole; • defects, irregularities and limitations in title to real property subject to rights-of-way in our favor or used primarily for right-of-way purposes; • liens securing indebtedness and other obligations of others upon real property existing at the date of the indenture or at the time of our acquisition of such property; • leases existing at the date of the indenture and subsequent leases for not more than 15 years or which do not materially impair our use of the property subject thereto;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7 • liens of lessors or licensors for amounts due which are not delinquent or are being contested in good faith; • controls, restrictions or obligations imposed by governmental authorities upon the mortgaged property or the operation thereof; • rights of governmental authorities to purchase or designate a purchaser of the mortgaged property; • liens required by law or governmental regulation as a condition to the transaction of any business or the exercise of any privilege or license, or to enable us to maintain self-insurance or to participate in any funds established to cover insurance risks or in connection with workmen's compensation, unemployment insurance, social security or any pension or welfare benefit plan or program; • liens to secure the performance of duties or public or statutory, bid or performance obligations or surety, stay or appeal bonds; • rights of others to take minerals, timber, electric energy, gas, water, steam or other products produced by us or by others on our property; • rights and interests of persons other than us arising out of agreements to which we are a party relating to the common ownership or joint use of property, and liens on the interests of such persons in such property; • restrictions on assignment and/or qualification requirements on the assignee; • liens which have been bonded for the full amount in dispute or for the payment of which other security arrangements have been made; • easements, ground leases or rights-of-way on or across our property for the purpose of roads, pipelines, transmission or distribution lines, communication lines, railways and other similar purposes, provided that the same do not materially impair the use by us of such property or rights-of-way; • liens on our air or water pollution control, sewage or solid waste disposal or other similar facilities in connection with the issuance of pollution control revenue bonds, in connection with financing the cost of, or construction, acquisition, improvement, repair or maintenance of, such facilities; • the trustee's lien specified below; • prepaid liens; and • the lien of the first mortgage indenture. (See Granting Clauses and Section 101) "Prepaid lien" means generally any lien securing indebtedness for the payment or redemption of which there shall have been irrevocably deposited in trust with the trustee or other holder of such lien moneys and/or investment securities which (together with the interest reasonably expected to be earned from the investment and reinvestment in investment securities of the moneys and/or the principal of and interest on the investment securities so deposited) shall be sufficient for such purpose; provided, however, that the first mortgage indenture shall not be deemed to be a prepaid lien unless it shall have been satisfied and discharged and all first mortgage bonds issued thereunder shall be deemed to have been paid, all in accordance with the provisions thereof. (See Section 101) Trustee's Lien. The indenture provides that the trustee will have a lien, prior to the lien on behalf of the holders of indenture bonds, upon the mortgaged property for the payment of its reasonable compensation and expenses and for indemnity against certain liabilities. (See Section 1107)

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8 Issuance of Indenture Bonds The aggregate principal amount of indenture bonds that may be authenticated and delivered under the indenture is unlimited. (See Section 301). Indenture bonds of any series may be issued from time to time, provided that the first mortgage collateralization date has not occurred, on the basis of property additions, retired bonds (as such terms are defined below) and cash deposited with the trustee, and in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding: • 70% of the cost (as defined below) or fair value (as defined below) (whichever is less) of property additions (as described below) that do not constitute funded property (as defined below) after certain deductions and additions, primarily including adjustments to offset property retirements; • the aggregate principal amount of retired bonds; and • an amount of cash deposited with the trustee. (See Article Four) In addition, any issuance of indenture bonds after March 31, 2003, other than any issuance on the basis of retired bonds having an applicable interest rate not less than the interest rate applicable to the indenture bonds to be issued, requires that we provide a certificate demonstrating that the adjusted net earnings (as defined below) for the specified 12 month period are not less than 200% of the annual interest requirements (as defined below) for the specified one year period. "Adjusted net earnings" means the amount for a period of 12 consecutive calendar months within the 18 calendar months immediately preceding the first day of the month in which we intend to issue additional indenture bonds (or, in the case of any such certificate to be delivered on or prior to June 30, 2003, for a period of 12 consecutive calendar months within the 15 calendar months immediately preceding the first day of such month): • our operating revenues for such period; minus • our operating expenses, excluding: • expenses for taxes on income or profits; • provisions for reserves for depreciation, amortization, depletion or retirement of property; • interest expense, including the amortization of debt discount, premium, expense or loss on reacquired debt, for any replacement, sinking fund or other device for the retirement or amortization of any indebtedness; • non-recurring charge or expenses; and • provisions for any refund of our revenues previously collected or accrued; plus • our other income, net of related expenses (excluding expenses or provisions for any non-recurring charges). "Annual interest requirements" means the interest requirements for one year, at the respective stated interest rates, if any, borne before maturity, upon: • all outstanding indenture bonds, except any for the payment or redemption of which indenture bonds applied for are to be issued; • all indenture bonds then applied for in pending applications for the original issuance of indenture bonds, including the application in connection with which such certificate is made;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9 • all outstanding first mortgage bonds, except any for the payment or redemption of which the indenture bonds applied for are to be issued; and • the principal amount of all other indebtedness, except: • first mortgage collateral bonds; • our indebtedness, the repayment of which supports or is supported by other indebtedness included in annual interest requirements pursuant to one of the other clauses of this definition; • indebtedness for the payment of which the indenture bonds applied for are to be issued; and • indebtedness secured by a prepaid lien prior to the lien of the indenture upon property subject to such lien, outstanding on the date of such computation and secured by a lien on a parity with or prior to the lien of the indenture upon property subject to the lien of the indenture, if such indebtedness has been issued, assumed or guaranteed by us or if we customarily pay the interest upon the principal thereof or collections from our customers are applied to, or pledged as security for the payment of such interest; provided, however, that if any such indebtedness bears interest at a variable rate, then the interest requirement on such indebtedness shall be determined by reference to the rate in effect on the day immediately preceding the date of such computation; and provided, further, that any amounts collected by others to be applied to debt service on our indebtedness, and not otherwise treated on our books as revenue, shall be added to our operating revenues when determining adjusted net earnings. "Cost" with respect to property additions generally means the sum of: • any cash paid in the acquisition of such property; • an amount equivalent to the fair market value in cash of any securities or other property paid in the acquisition of such property; • the principal amount of any obligations secured by prior lien (other than the lien of the first mortgage indenture) upon such property additions outstanding at the time of the acquisition thereof; • the principal amount of any other obligations incurred or assumed in connection with the payment for such property additions or for the acquisition thereof; and • any other amounts which, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, are properly charged or chargeable to our plant or other property accounts with respect to such property additions as part of the cost of construction or acquisition thereof, including, but not limited to any allowance for funds used during construction or any similar or analogous amount; • provided, however, that: • with respect to property additions owned by our successor immediately prior to the time it shall have become such successor in or as a result of an acquisition, consolidation or merger, cost shall mean the amount or amounts at which such property additions are recorded in the plant or other property accounts of such successor, or the predecessor from which such property additions are acquired, as the case may be, immediately prior to such consolidation or merger; • with respect to property additions which shall have been acquired (otherwise than by construction) by us without any consideration consisting of cash, securities or other property or the incurring or

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10 assumption of indebtedness or other obligation, no determination of cost shall be required and, wherever provision is made for cost or fair value, cost with respect to such property additions shall mean an amount equal to the fair value to us thereof or, if greater, the aggregate amount reflected in our books of account with respect thereto upon the acquisition thereof; and • in no event shall the cost of property additions be required to reflect any depreciation or amortization in respect of such property additions, or any adjustment to the amount or amounts at which such property additions are recorded in plant or other property accounts due to the non- recoverability of investment or otherwise. If any property additions include property which has been used or operated by third parties in a business similar to that in which it has been or is to be used or operated by us, the cost thereof need not be reduced by any amount in respect of any goodwill, going concern value rights and/or intangible property simultaneously acquired and in such case the term property additions as defined herein may include such goodwill, going concern value rights and intangible property. "Fair value," with respect to property, generally means the fair value of such property as may reasonably be determined by reference to: • the amount which would be likely to be obtained in an arm's-length transaction with respect to such property between an informed and willing buyer and an informed and willing seller, under no compulsion, respectively, to buy or sell; • the amount of investment with respect to such property which, together with a reasonable return thereon, would be likely to be recovered through ordinary business operations or otherwise; • the cost, accumulated depreciation and replacement cost with respect to such property; and/or • any other relevant factors; provided, however, that: • the fair value of property shall be determined without deduction for any liens on such property prior to the lien of the indenture; and • the fair value of property additions shall not reflect any reduction relating to the fact that such property additions may be of less value to a person which is not the owner or operator of the mortgaged property or any portion thereof than to the owner or operator. Fair value may be determined, in the discretion of the expert certifying the same, without physical inspection, by the use of accounting and/or engineering records and/or other data maintained by us or otherwise available to such expert. "Funded property" generally includes property additions which have been designated funded property in an expert's certificate, which have been made the basis of the authentication and delivery of indenture bonds, which have been made the basis for the release of mortgaged property, which have been made the basis for the withdrawal of cash, which have been substituted for retired funded property or which have been used for other specified purposes. (See Section 102) "Property additions" generally include any property which is owned by us and is subject to the lien of the indenture except (with certain exceptions) goodwill, going concern value rights or intangible property, or any property the cost of acquisition or construction of which is properly chargeable to one of our operating expense accounts. (See Section 103) "Retired bonds" means, generally:

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11 • indenture bonds which are no longer outstanding under the indenture, which have not been retired by the application of funded cash and which have not been used as the basis for the authentication and delivery of indenture bonds, the release of property or the withdrawal of cash; and • certain first mortgage bonds issued under the first mortgage indenture which could be used as a basis for the authentication and delivery of additional first mortgage bonds under the first mortgage indenture and have been retired after the initial issuance of indenture bonds under the indenture; provided, however, that no first mortgage bond may be used as the basis for the authentication and delivery of both additional indenture bonds and additional first mortgage bonds. (See Section 101). Release of Property Unless an event of default (as defined below) has occurred and is continuing, we may obtain the release from the lien of the indenture of any funded property upon delivery to the trustee of certain certificates and an amount in cash equal to the amount, if any, by which 70% of the cost of the property to be released (or, if less, the fair value of such property at the time it became funded property) exceeds the aggregate of: • an amount equal to 70% of the aggregate principal amount of obligations secured by purchase money liens delivered to the trustee, subject to certain limitations described below; • an amount equal to 70% of the cost or fair value (whichever is less) of certified property additions not constituting funded property after certain deductions and additions, primarily including adjustments to offset property retirements (except that such adjustments need not be made if such property additions were acquired or made within the 90-day period preceding the release); • the aggregate principal amount of indenture bonds we would be entitled to issue on the basis of retired bonds (with such entitlement being waived by operation of such release); • any amount of cash and/or an amount equal to 70% of the aggregate principal amount of obligations secured by purchase money liens upon the property released delivered to the trustee or other holder of a lien prior to the lien of the indenture, subject to certain limitations described below; • on or after the first mortgage collateralization date, the aggregate principal amount of first mortgage bonds delivered to the trustee to be held as first mortgage collateral bonds; • the aggregate principal amount of outstanding indenture bonds delivered to the trustee (with such indenture bonds to be canceled by the trustee); and • any taxes and expenses incidental to any sale, exchange, dedication or other disposition of the property to be released. (See Section 803) As used in the indenture, the term "purchase money lien" means, generally, a lien on the property being acquired, disposed of by us or being released from the lien of the indenture, which is taken or retained by the transferor of such property to secure all or part of the purchase price thereof or granted to one or more other persons (other than the transferor) who by making advances or incurring an obligation, give value to enable the grantor of the lien to acquire rights in such property, or granted to another person in connection with the release of property from the lien of the indenture on the basis of a deposit with the trustee or other holder of a lien prior to the lien of the indenture of obligations secured by such lien on such property, or held by a trustee or agent for the benefit of any such persons, and may include liens which cover property in addition to the property being released and/or which secure indebtedness in addition to indebtedness to the transferor of such property. (See Section 101) Generally, the principal amount of obligations secured by purchase money liens used as the basis for the release of property may

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12 not exceed 75% of the fair value of such property unless no additional obligations are outstanding, or are permitted to be issued, under such purchase money lien. (See Section 803) Property which is not funded property may generally be released from the lien of the indenture without depositing any cash or property with the trustee as long as: • the aggregate amount of cost or fair value (whichever is less) of all property additions which do not constitute funded property (excluding the property to be released) after certain deductions and additions, primarily including adjustments to offset property retirements, is not less than zero; or • the cost or fair value (whichever is less) of property to be released does not exceed the aggregate amount of the cost or fair value (whichever is less) of property additions acquired or made within the 90-day period preceding the release. (See Section 804) The indenture provides simplified procedures for the release of minor properties and property taken by eminent domain, and provides for dispositions of certain obsolete property and grants or surrender of certain rights without any release or consent by the trustee. (See Sections 802, 805, 807 and 808) If we retain any interest in any property released from the lien of the indenture, the indenture will not become a lien on such property or such interest therein or any improvements, extensions or additions to such property or renewals, replacements or substitutions of or for such property or any part or parts thereof. (See Section 809) Withdrawal of Cash Unless an event of default has occurred and is continuing and subject to certain limitations, cash held by the trustee may, generally: • be withdrawn by us: • to the extent of an amount equal to 70% of the cost or fair value to us (whichever is less) of property additions not constituting funded property, after certain deductions and additions, primarily including adjustments to offset retirements (except that such adjustments need not be made if such property additions were acquired or made within the 90-day period preceding the withdrawal); or • in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of indenture bonds that we would be entitled to issue on the basis of retired bonds (with the entitlement to such issuance being waived by operation of such withdrawal); or • on or after the first mortgage collateralization date, in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of first mortgage bonds delivered to the trustee to be held as first mortgage collateral bonds; or • in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of outstanding indenture bonds delivered to the trustee; or • upon our request, be applied to the purchase of indenture bonds or the payment (or provision therefor) at stated maturity of any indenture bonds or the redemption (or provision therefor) of any indenture bonds which are redeemable. (See Section 806)

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![](cehe_exhibit4ux12312025013.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13 Consolidation, Merger, Etc. We may not consolidate with or merge into any other entity or convey, transfer or lease, subject to the lien of this indenture, the mortgaged property as or substantially as an entirety to any entity unless: • the entity formed by such consolidation or into which we are merged or the entity which acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the mortgaged property as or substantially as an entirety is an entity organized and existing under the laws of the United States, or any State or Territory thereof or the District of Columbia; and • such entity executes and delivers to the trustee a supplemental indenture that: • in the case of a consolidation, merger, conveyance or other transfer, or in the case of a lease if the term thereof extends beyond the last stated maturity of the indenture bonds then outstanding, contains an express assumption by such entity of the due and punctual payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the indenture bonds and the performance of all of our covenants and conditions under the indenture; and • in the case of a consolidation, merger, conveyance or other transfer, contains a grant, conveyance, transfer and mortgage by such entity: • confirming the lien of the indenture on the mortgaged property; and • subjecting to such lien all property thereafter acquired by such entity that shall constitute an improvement, extension or addition to the mortgaged property or renewal, replacement or substitution of or for any part thereof and, at the election of such entity, subjecting to the lien of the indenture such other property then owned or thereafter acquired by such entity as such entity shall specify; and • in the case of a lease, such lease is made expressly subject to termination by us or by the trustee at any time during the continuance of an event of default; and • immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no event of default and no event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default shall have occurred and be continuing. (See Section 1301) In the case of the conveyance or other transfer of the mortgaged property as or substantially as an entirety to any other entity, upon the satisfaction of all the conditions described above, we would be released and discharged from all obligations under the indenture and on the indenture bonds then outstanding unless we elect to waive such release and discharge. (See Section 1304). For purposes of this section, "entity" means a corporation, limited liability company, company, association, joint-stock company, partnership, limited liability partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or governmental authority. Modification of Indenture Modifications without Consent. Without the consent of any holders, we and the trustee may enter into one or more supplemental indentures for any of the following purposes, among others: • to evidence the succession of another entity to us and the assumption by any such successor of our covenants and agreements in the indenture and in the indenture bonds; or • to add one or more covenants or other provisions for the benefit of all holders or for the benefit of the holders of, or to remain in effect only so long as there shall be outstanding, indenture bonds of one or

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14 more specified series (for the purposes of this subsection, "series" includes tranches thereof), or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us by the indenture; or • to correct or amplify the description of any property at any time subject to the lien of the indenture; or better to assure, convey and confirm to the trustee any property subject or required to be subjected to the lien of the indenture; or to subject to the lien of the indenture additional property (including property of others); to specify any additional permitted liens with respect to such additional property and to modify the provisions in the indenture for dispositions of certain types of property without release in order to specify any additional items with respect to such additional property; or • to establish the form or terms of the indenture bonds of any series as permitted by the indenture; or • to provide for the authentication and delivery of bearer bonds and coupons appertaining thereto representing interest, if any, thereon and for the procedures for the registration, exchange and replacement thereof and for the giving of notice to, and the solicitation of the vote or consent of, the holders thereof, and for any and all other matters incidental thereto; or • to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee or by a co-trustee; or • to provide for the procedures required to permit the utilization of a non-certificated system of registration for all, or any series of, the indenture bonds; or • to change any place or places where: • the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on all or any series of indenture bonds will be payable; • all or any series of indenture bonds may be surrendered for registration of transfer; • all or any series of indenture bonds may be surrendered for exchange; and • notices and demands to or upon us in respect of all or any series of indenture bonds and the indenture may be served; or • to comply with the rules of any securities exchange on which any series of indenture bonds may be listed; or • to modify this indenture to comply with the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"); or • to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision therein which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision therein, or to make any other additions to, deletions from or other changes to the provisions thereof; provided that such additions, deletions and/or other changes do not adversely affect the interests of the holders of indenture bonds of any series in any material respect. (See Section 1401) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if the Trust Indenture Act is amended after the date of the indenture in such a way as to require changes to the indenture or the incorporation therein of additional provisions or so as to permit changes to, or the elimination of, provisions which, at the date of the indenture or at any time thereafter, were required by the Trust Indenture Act to be contained in the indenture, the indenture will be deemed to have been amended so as to conform to such amendment or to effect such changes or elimination, and we and the trustee may, without the consent of any holders, enter into one or more supplemental indentures to evidence or effect such amendment. (See Section 1401)

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15 Modifications Requiring Consent. Except as provided above, the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the indenture bonds of all series then outstanding, considered as one class, is required for the purpose of adding any provisions to, or changing in any manner, or eliminating any of the provisions of, the indenture pursuant to one or more supplemental indentures; provided, however, that if less than all of the series of indenture bonds outstanding are directly affected by a proposed supplemental indenture, then the consent only of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding indenture bonds of all series so directly affected, considered as one class, will be required; and provided, further, that if the indenture bonds of any series have been issued in more than one tranche and if the proposed supplemental indenture directly affects the rights of the holders of one or more, but less than all such tranches, then the consent only of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding indenture bonds of all such tranches so directly affected, considered as one class, will be required; and provided, further, that no such amendment or modification may: • change the stated maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any indenture bond, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon (or the amount of any installment of interest thereon) or change the method of calculating such rate or reduce any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or reduce the amount of the principal of any discount bond or other indenture bond that would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of maturity or change the coin or currency in which any indenture bond or any premium or the interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the stated maturity of any indenture bond (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the redemption date) without, in any such case, the consent of the holder of such indenture bond; • permit the creation of any lien (not otherwise permitted by the indenture) ranking prior to the lien of the indenture with respect to all or substantially all of the mortgaged property or terminate the lien of the indenture on all or substantially all of the mortgaged property or deprive the holders of the benefit of the lien of the indenture, without, in any such case, the consent of the holders of all indenture bonds then outstanding; • reduce the percentage in principal amount of the outstanding indenture bonds of any series, or tranche thereof, the consent of the holders of which is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of the holders of which is required for any waiver of compliance with any provision of the indenture or of any default thereunder and its consequences, or reduce the requirements for quorum or voting, without, in any such case, the consent of the holder of each outstanding indenture bond of such series; or • modify any of the provisions (with certain exceptions) of the indenture relating to supplemental indentures, waivers of certain covenants and waivers of past defaults with respect to the indenture bonds without the consent of the holder of each outstanding indenture bond affected thereby. A supplemental indenture that changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of the indenture that has expressly been included solely for the benefit of the holders of, or that is to remain in effect only so long as there shall be outstanding, indenture bonds of one or more specified series or modifies the rights of the holders of indenture bonds of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, will be deemed not to affect the rights under the indenture of the holders of the indenture bonds of any other series. (See Section 1402) Waiver The holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of all indenture bonds may waive our obligations to comply with certain covenants, including the covenants to maintain our corporate or other legal existence and properties, pay taxes and discharge liens and maintain certain insurance and our covenant with respect to merger, consolidation or the transfer or lease of the mortgaged property as or substantially as an entirety, described above, provided that such waiver occurs before the time such compliance is required. The holders of at

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16 least a majority of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding indenture bonds of all affected series or tranches, considered as one class, may waive, before the time for such compliance, compliance with any covenant specified with respect to indenture bonds of such series or tranches thereof. (See Section 609) The holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of all indenture bonds outstanding may waive past defaults, not including defaults in the payment of principal, premium or interest or defaults with respect to provisions that cannot be modified without the consent of each holder affected thereby, under the indenture. (See Section 1017) Events of Default Each of the following events constitutes an event of default under the indenture: • failure to pay interest on any indenture bond within 30 days after the same becomes due and payable; • failure to pay principal of or premium, if any, on any indenture bond when it becomes due and payable; • failure to perform or breach of any of our covenants or warranties in the indenture (other than a covenant or warranty a default in the performance of which or breach of which is dealt with elsewhere under this paragraph) for a period of 90 days after there has been given to us by the trustee, or to us and the trustee by the holders of at least 33% in principal amount of outstanding indenture bonds, a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a "notice of default," unless the trustee, or the trustee and the holders of a principal amount of indenture bonds not less than the principal amount of indenture bonds the holders of which gave such notice, as the case may be, agree in writing to an extension of such period prior to its expiration; provided, however, that the trustee, or the trustee and such holders, as the case may be, will be deemed to have agreed to an extension of such period if corrective action has been initiated by us within such period and is being diligently pursued; • certain events relating to reorganization, bankruptcy and insolvency of us or appointment of a receiver or trustee for our property (See Section 1001); and • the occurrence of any default or any other event under the first mortgage indenture, and the expiration of the applicable grace period, if any, specified in such first mortgage indenture, if the effect of such default or event is to accelerate, or to permit the acceleration of, the maturity of any amount due under the first mortgage indenture. Remedies Acceleration of Maturity. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, then the trustee or the holders of not less than 33% in principal amount of indenture bonds then outstanding may declare the principal amount (or if the indenture bonds are discount bonds, such portion of the principal amount as may be provided for such discount bonds pursuant to the terms of the indenture) of all of the indenture bonds then outstanding, together with premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, thereon to be immediately due and payable. At any time after such declaration of acceleration of the indenture bonds then outstanding, but before the sale of any of the mortgaged property and before a judgment or decree for payment of money shall have been obtained by the trustee as provided in the indenture, the event or events of default giving rise to such declaration of acceleration will, without further act, be deemed to have been waived, and such declaration and its consequences will, without further act, be deemed to have been rescinded and annulled, if: • we have paid or deposited with the trustee a sum sufficient to pay: • all overdue interest, if any, on all indenture bonds then outstanding;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17 • the principal of and premium, if any, on any indenture bonds then outstanding which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate prescribed therefor in such indenture bonds; and • all amounts due to the trustee as compensation and reimbursement as provided in the indenture; and • any other event or events of default, other than the non-payment of the principal of indenture bonds that shall have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, shall have been cured or waived as provided in the indenture. (See Section 1002) Possession of Mortgaged Property Under certain circumstances and to the extent permitted by law, if an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee has the power to take possession of, and to hold, operate and manage, the mortgaged property, or with or without entry, sell the mortgaged property. If the mortgaged property is sold, whether by the trustee or pursuant to judicial proceedings, the principal of the outstanding indenture bonds, if not previously due, will become immediately due and payable, together with premium, if any, and any accrued interest. (See Sections 1003, 1004 and 1005) Right to Direct Proceedings If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the indenture bonds then outstanding will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceedings for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee, provided that such direction does not conflict with any rule of law or with the indenture, and could not involve the trustee in personal liability in circumstances where indemnity would not, in the trustee's sole discretion, be adequate and the trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction. (See Section 1016) Limitation on Right to Institute Proceedings No holder of any indenture bond will have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or for any other remedy thereunder unless • such holder has previously given to the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default; • the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the indenture bonds then outstanding have made written request to the trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such event of default and have offered the trustee reasonable indemnity against costs and liabilities to be incurred in complying with such request; and • for sixty days after receipt of such notice, the trustee has failed to institute any such proceeding and no direction inconsistent with such request has been given to the trustee during such sixty-day period by the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of indenture bonds then outstanding. Furthermore, no holder will be entitled to institute any such action if and to the extent that such action would disturb or prejudice the rights of other holders. (See Section 1011) No Impairment of Right to Receive Payment Notwithstanding that the right of a holder to institute a proceeding with respect to the indenture is subject to certain conditions precedent, each holder of an indenture bond has the absolute and unconditional right to receive

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18 payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on such indenture bond when due and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights may not be impaired without the consent of such holder. (See Section 1012) Notice of Default The trustee is required to give the holders notice of any default under the indenture to the extent required by the Trust Indenture Act, unless such default shall have been cured or waived, except that no such notice to holders of a default of the character described in the third bullet point under "Events of Default" may be given until at least 75 days after the occurrence thereof. (See Section 1102) The Trust Indenture Act currently permits the trustee to withhold notices of default (except for certain payment defaults) if the trustee in good faith determines the withholding of such notice to be in the interests of the holders. Indemnification of Trustee As a condition precedent to certain actions by the trustee in the enforcement of the lien of the indenture and institution of action on the indenture bonds, the trustee may require adequate indemnity against costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in connection therewith. (See Sections 1011 and 1101) Remedies Limited by State Law The laws of any jurisdiction where the mortgaged property is located may limit or deny the ability of the trustee or bondholders to enforce certain rights and remedies provided in the indenture in accordance with their terms. Defeasance Any indenture bonds, or any portion of the principal amount thereof, will be deemed to have been paid for purposes of the indenture, and, at our election, the entirety of our indebtedness in respect thereof will be deemed to have been satisfied and discharged, if there has been irrevocably deposited with the trustee or any paying agent (other than us), in trust: • money (including funded cash not otherwise applied pursuant to the indenture) in an amount which will be sufficient; or • in the case of a deposit made prior to the date on which principal is due, eligible obligations (as described below), which do not contain provisions permitting the redemption or other prepayment thereof at the option of the issuer thereof, the principal of and the interest on which when due, without any regard to reinvestment thereof, will provide monies which, together with the money, if any, deposited with or held by the trustee or such paying agent, will be sufficient; or • a combination of options in the preceding bullet points which will be sufficient, to pay when due the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, due and to become due on such indenture bonds or portions thereof. (See Section 901) For this purpose, eligible obligations include direct obligations of, or obligations unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States of America, entitled to the benefit of the full faith and credit thereof, and certificates, depositary receipts or other instruments that evidence a direct ownership interest in such obligations or in any specific interest or principal payments due in respect thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no indenture bond shall be deemed to have been paid as aforesaid unless we shall have delivered to the trustee either:

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19 • an opinion of counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the trustee confirming that (i) we have received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (ii) since the date of the indenture, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion of counsel shall confirm that, the holders of the outstanding indenture bonds will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance had not occurred; or • an instrument wherein we, notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of our indebtedness in respect of indenture bonds, shall assume the obligation (which shall be absolute and unconditional) to irrevocably deposit with the trustee such additional sums of money, if any, or additional government obligations, if any, or any combination thereof, at such time or times, as shall be necessary, together with the money and/or government obligations theretofore so deposited, to pay when due the principal of and premium, if any, and interest due and to become due on such indenture bonds or portions thereof; provided, however, that such instrument may state that our obligation to make additional deposits as aforesaid shall be subject to the delivery to us by the trustee of a notice asserting the deficiency accompanied by an opinion of an independent public accountant of nationally recognized standing showing the calculation thereof; and • an opinion of tax counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the trustee to the effect that the holders of the outstanding indenture bonds will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance had not occurred. Duties of the Trustee; Resignation; Removal The trustee will have, and will be subject to, all the duties and responsibilities specified with respect to an indenture trustee under the Trust Indenture Act. Subject to such provisions, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the indenture at the request of any holder of indenture bonds, unless offered reasonable indemnity by such holder against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred thereby. The trustee will not be required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur financial liability in the performance of its duties if the trustee reasonably believes that repayment or adequate indemnity is not reasonably assured to it. The trustee may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to us or may be removed at any time by the holders of a majority in principal amount of indenture bonds then outstanding delivered to the trustee and us. No resignation or removal of the trustee and no appointment of a successor trustee will become effective until the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee in accordance with the requirements of the indenture. So long as no event of default or event which, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would become an event of default has occurred and is continuing, if we have delivered to the trustee a resolution of our board of directors appointing a successor trustee and such successor has accepted such appointment in accordance with the terms of the indenture, the trustee will be deemed to have resigned and the successor will be deemed to have been appointed as trustee in accordance with the indenture. (See Section 1110) Evidence to be Furnished to the Trustee Compliance with indenture provisions is evidenced by written statements of our officers or persons selected or paid by us. In certain cases, opinions of counsel and certification of an engineer, accountant, appraiser or other expert (who in some cases must be independent) must be furnished. In addition, the indenture requires that we give

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20 the trustee, not less often than annually, a brief statement as to our compliance with the conditions and covenants under the indenture.

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## Ex-4.V

![](cerc_exhibit4vx12312025001.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exhibit 4(v) DESCRIPTION OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.'S SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 As of December 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp., a Delaware corporation, had one class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"): (1) the 6.625% senior notes due 2037 ("Senior Notes" or "notes"). For purposes of this summary, the terms "we," "our," "ours," and "us" refer only to CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. and not to any of our subsidiaries. DESCRIPTION OF THE SENIOR NOTES Our debt securities are issued under an indenture, dated as of February 1, 1998, as supplemented, between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association), as trustee (the "Indenture"), as amended and supplemented, in the case of the Senior Notes, by Supplemental Indenture No. 12, dated as of October 23, 2007, each of which are incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of which this Exhibit 4(v) is a part. As of December 31, 2025, $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes were outstanding. We have summarized selected provisions of the Indenture and the Senior Notes below. This summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Indenture and Supplemental Indenture No. 12. We encourage you to read the above referenced Indenture and Supplemental Indenture No. 12 for additional information. Ranking of the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes: • are general unsecured obligations, • rank equally in right of payment with all of our other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness, and • with respect to the assets and earnings of our subsidiaries, structurally rank below all of the liabilities of our subsidiaries. Principal, Maturity and Interest. The Senior Notes mature on November 1, 2037. Interest on the Senior Notes accrues at the rate of 6.625% per annum. Interest on the Senior Notes: • is payable semi-annually in arrears on each May 1 and November 1, • is payable to the person in whose name the notes are registered at the close of business on the April 15 and October 15 immediately preceding the applicable interest payment date, which we refer to with respect to the notes as "regular record dates," • is computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months, and • is payable on overdue interest to the extent permitted by law at the same rate as interest is payable on i i l If any interest payment date, the maturity date or any redemption date falls on a day that is not a business day, the payment will be made on the next business day with the same force and effect as if made on the relevant

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2 interest payment date, maturity date or redemption date. Unless we default on a payment, no interest will accrue for the period from and after the applicable maturity date or redemption date. Optional Redemption. We may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at our option exercisable at any time and from time to time upon not less than 30 and not more than 60 days' notice as provided in the indenture, on any date prior to their maturity at a redemption price equal to: • 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus • accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, plus • the make-whole premium described below, if any. The redemption price will never be less than 100% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. The amount of the make-whole premium with respect to any note to be redeemed will be equal to the excess, if any, of: (1) the sum of the present values, calculated as of the redemption date, of: • each interest payment that, but for such redemption, would have been payable on the note or portion thereof being redeemed on each interest payment date occurring after the redemption date (excluding any accrued and unpaid interest for the period prior to the redemption date), and • the principal amount that, but for such redemption, would have been payable at the final maturity of the note or portion thereof being redeemed, over (2) the principal amount of the note or portion thereof being redeemed. The present values of interest and principal payments referred to in clause (1) above will be determined in accordance with generally accepted principles of financial analysis. These present values will be calculated by discounting the amount of each payment of interest or principal from the date that each such payment would have been payable, but for the redemption, to the redemption date at a discount rate equal to the comparable treasury yield (as defined below) plus 30 basis points. The make-whole premium will be calculated by an independent investment banking institution of national standing appointed by us. If we fail to appoint an independent investment banking institution at least 45 days prior to the redemption date, or if the independent investment banking institution we appoint is unwilling or unable to calculate the make-whole premium, the calculation will be made by Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated or UBS Securities LLC. If Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and UBS Securities LLC are unwilling or unable to make the calculation, we will appoint a different independent investment banking institution of national standing to make the calculation. For purposes of determining the make-whole premium, "comparable treasury yield" means a rate of interest per annum equal to the weekly average yield to maturity of United States Treasury Securities that have a constant maturity that corresponds to the remaining term to maturity of the notes to be redeemed, calculated to the nearest 1/12th of a year. The comparable treasury yield will be determined as of the third business day immediately preceding the applicable redemption date. The weekly average yields of United States Treasury Securities will be determined by reference to the most recent statistical release published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and designated "H.15(519) Selected Interest Rates" or any successor release. If this statistical release sets forth a weekly average yield for United States Treasury Securities having a constant maturity that is the same as the remaining term of the notes to be redeemed

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![](cerc_exhibit4vx12312025003.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3 calculated as set forth above, then the comparable treasury yield will be equal to such weekly average yield. In all other cases, the comparable treasury yield will be calculated by interpolation on a straight-line basis, between the weekly average yields on the United States Treasury Securities that have a constant maturity closest to and greater than the remaining term of the notes to be redeemed and the United States Treasury Securities that have a constant maturity closest to and less than the remaining term of notes (in each case as set forth in the H.15 statistical release or any successor release). Any weekly average yields calculated by interpolation will be rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1%, with any figure of 1/200th of 1% or above being rounded upward. If weekly average yields for United States Treasury Securities are not available in the H.15 statistical release or otherwise, then the comparable treasury yield will be calculated by interpolation of comparable rates selected by an independent investment banking institution selected in the manner described in the second preceding paragraph. If we redeem less than all the Senior Notes, the trustee will select the Senior Notes for redemption on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such other method as the trustee in its sole discretion deems fair and appropriate. We will only redeem notes in multiples of $1,000 in original principal amount. If any note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption will state the portion of the principal amount to be redeemed. A new note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original note will be issued upon the cancellation of the original note. Sinking Fund. We are not obligated to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Senior Notes. Restrictive Covenants. The Indenture does not limit the amount of indebtedness or other obligations that we may incur and does not contain provisions that would give holders of the notes the right to require us to repurchase their notes in the event of a change in control of us, or in the event we enter into one or more highly leveraged transactions, regardless of whether a rating decline results therefrom, or in the event we dispose of one or more of our business units, nor are any such events deemed to be events of default under the terms of the Indenture. Limitations on Liens. We will not, and we will not permit any subsidiary (as defined below) to, pledge, mortgage or hypothecate, or permit to exist, except in our favor or in favor of any subsidiary, any lien (as defined below) upon any principal property (as defined below) or any equity interest (as defined below) in any significant subsidiary (as defined below) owning any principal property, at any time owned by us or by a subsidiary, to secure any indebtedness (as defined below), unless effective provision is made whereby outstanding notes will be secured equally and ratably therewith (or prior thereto), and with any other indebtedness similarly entitled to be equally and ratably secured. This restriction will not apply to or prevent the creation or existence of:

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![](cerc_exhibit4vx12312025004.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 • liens on any property held or used by us or a subsidiary in connection with the exploration for, development of or production of, oil, gas, natural gas (including liquefied gas and storage gas), other hydrocarbons, helium, coal, metals, minerals, steam, timber, geothermal or other natural resources or synthetic fuels, such properties to include, but not be limited to, our or a subsidiary's interest in any mineral fee interests, oil, gas or other mineral leases, royalty, overriding royalty or net profits interests, production payments and other similar interests, wellhead production equipment, tanks, field gathering lines, leasehold or field separation and processing facilities, compression facilities and other similar personal property and fixtures, • liens on oil, gas, natural gas (including liquefied gas and storage gas), other hydrocarbons, helium, coal, metals, minerals, steam, timber, geothermal or other natural resources or synthetic fuels produced or recovered from any property, an interest in which is owned or leased by us or a subsidiary, • liens (or certain extensions, renewals or refundings thereof) upon any property acquired, constructed or improved before or after the date the notes are first issued, which liens were or are created at the later of the time of acquisition or commercial operation thereof, or within one year thereafter to secure all or a portion of the purchase price thereof or the cost of construction or improvement, or existing thereon at the date of acquisition, provided that every such mortgage, pledge, lien or encumbrance applies only to the property so acquired or constructed and fixed improvements thereon, • liens upon any property of any entity acquired by any entity that is or becomes a subsidiary after the date the notes are first issued, each of which we refer to as an "acquired entity," provided that every such mortgage, pledge, lien or encumbrance: • will either: • exist prior to the time the acquired entity becomes a subsidiary, or • be created at the time the acquired entity becomes a subsidiary or within one year thereafter to secure payment of the acquisition price thereof, and • will only apply to those properties owned by the acquired entity at the time it becomes a subsidiary or thereafter acquired by it from sources other than us or any other subsidiary, • pledges of current assets, in the ordinary course of business, to secure current liabilities, • deposits, including among others, good faith deposits in connection with tenders, leases of real estate or bids or contracts, or liens, including among others, liens reserved in leases and mechanics' or materialmen's liens, to secure certain duties or public or statutory obligations, • liens upon any office, data processing or transportation equipment, • liens created or assumed in connection with the issuance of debt securities, the interest on which is excludable from gross income of the holder of such security pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code, for the purpose of financing the acquisition or construction of property to be used by us or a subsidiary, • pledges or assignments of accounts receivable or conditional sales contracts or chattel mortgages and evidence of indebtedness secured thereby, received in connection with the sale of goods or merchandise to • certain liens for taxes, judgments and attachments. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we or a subsidiary may issue, assume or guarantee indebtedness secured by a mortgage which would otherwise be subject to the foregoing restrictions in an aggregate amount which, together

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![](cerc_exhibit4vx12312025005.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5 with all of our other indebtedness or indebtedness of a subsidiary secured by a mortgage (not including secured indebtedness permitted under the foregoing exceptions) and the value (as defined below) of all sale and leaseback transactions (as defined below) existing at such time (other than sale and leaseback transactions (i) which, if a lien, would have been permitted under the third or fourth bullet points above or (ii) as to which application of amounts have been made in accordance with "— Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions" below), does not at the time such indebtedness is incurred exceed 5% of consolidated net tangible assets (as defined below), as shown on our most recent audited consolidated balance sheet preceding the date of determination. For purposes of this "Limitation on Liens" covenant, subsidiary does not include a project finance subsidiary (as defined below). Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions. We will not, and we will not permit any subsidiary to, engage in a sale and leaseback transaction of any principal property unless the net proceeds of such sale are at least equal to the fair value of such principal property (as determined by our board of directors) and either: • we or such subsidiary would be entitled under the indenture to incur indebtedness secured by a lien on the principal property to be leased, without equally and ratably securing the notes, pursuant to the exceptions provided in the third and fourth bullet points of the second sentence of "— Limitations on Liens" above, or • within 120 days after the sale or transfer of the principal property, we apply an amount not less than the fair value of such property: • to the payment or other retirement of our long-term indebtedness or long-term indebtedness of a subsidiary, in each case ranking senior to or on parity with the notes, or • to the purchase at not more than the fair value of principal property (other than that involved in such sale and leaseback transaction). For purposes of this "Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions" covenant, subsidiary does not include a project finance subsidiary. Defined Terms. "Capital lease" means a lease that, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, would be recorded as a capital lease on the balance sheet of the lessee. "Consolidated net tangible assets" means the total amount of our assets, including the assets of our subsidiaries, less, without duplication: • total current liabilities (excluding indebtedness due within 12 months), • all reserves for depreciation and other asset valuation reserves, but excluding reserves for deferred federal income taxes, • all intangible assets such as goodwill, trademarks, trade names, patents and unamortized debt discount and expense carried as an asset, and • all appropriate adjustments on account of minority interests of other persons holding common stock of any subsidiary, all as reflected in our most recent audited consolidated balance sheet preceding the date of such determination.

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![](cerc_exhibit4vx12312025006.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6 "Equity interests" means any capital stock, partnership, joint venture, member or limited liability or unlimited liability company interest, beneficial interest in a trust or similar entity or other equity interest or investment of whatever nature. "Indebtedness," as applied to us or any subsidiary, means bonds, debentures, notes and other instruments or arrangements representing obligations created or assumed by us or any such subsidiary, including any and all: • obligations for money borrowed, other than unamortized debt discount or premium, • obligations evidenced by a note or similar instrument given in connection with the acquisition of any business, properties or assets of any kind, • obligations as lessee under a capital lease, and • amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications and refundings of any such indebtedness or obligation listed in the three immediately preceding bullet points. All indebtedness secured by a lien upon property owned by us or any subsidiary and upon which indebtedness we or any such subsidiary customarily pays interest, although we or any such subsidiary has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such indebtedness, is also deemed to be indebtedness of us or any such subsidiary. All indebtedness for borrowed money incurred by other persons which is directly guaranteed as to payment of principal by us or any subsidiary will for all purposes of the indenture be deemed to be indebtedness of us or any such subsidiary, but no other contingent obligation of us or any such subsidiary in respect of indebtedness incurred by other persons shall be deemed indebtedness of us or any such subsidiary. "Lien" means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, charge, security interest, encumbrance or lien of any kind whatsoever (including any capital lease). "Non-recourse debt" means (i) any indebtedness for borrowed money incurred by any project finance subsidiary to finance the acquisition, improvement, installation, design, engineering, construction, development, completion, maintenance or operation of, or otherwise to pay costs and expenses relating to or providing financing for, any project, which indebtedness for borrowed money does not provide for recourse against us or any of our subsidiaries (other than a project finance subsidiary and such recourse as exists under a performance guaranty) or any property or asset of us or any of our subsidiaries (other than equity interests in, or the property or assets of, a project finance subsidiary and such recourse as exists under a performance guaranty) and (ii) any refinancing of such indebtedness for borrowed money that does not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof (other than to pay costs incurred in connection therewith and the capitalization of any interest or fees) at the time of the refinancing or increase the property subject to any lien securing such indebtedness for borrowed money or otherwise add additional security or support for such indebtedness for borrowed money. "Performance guaranty" means any guaranty issued in connection with any non-recourse debt that (i) if secured, is secured only by assets of or equity interests in a project finance subsidiary, and (ii) guarantees to the provider of such non-recourse debt or any other person (a) performance of the improvement, installation, design, engineering, construction, acquisition, development, completion, maintenance or operation of, or otherwise affects any such act in respect of, all or any portion of the project that is financed by such non-recourse debt, (b) completion of the minimum agreed equity or other contributions or support to the relevant project finance subsidiary, or (c) performance by a project finance subsidiary of obligations to persons other than the provider of such non- recourse debt. "Principal property" means any natural gas distribution property, natural gas pipeline or gas processing plant located in the United States, except any such property that in the opinion of our board of directors is not of material importance to the total business conducted by us and our consolidated subsidiaries. "Principal property" shall not include any oil or gas property or the production or proceeds of production from an oil or gas producing property or

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![](cerc_exhibit4vx12312025007.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7 the production or any proceeds of production of gas processing plants or oil or gas or petroleum products in any pipeline or storage field. "Project finance subsidiary" and "project finance subsidiaries" means any of our subsidiaries designated by us whose principal purpose is to incur non-recourse debt and/or construct, lease, own or operate the assets financed thereby, or to become a direct or indirect partner, member or other equity participant or owner in a person created for such purpose, and substantially all the assets of which subsidiary or person are limited to (x) those assets being financed (or to be financed), or the operation of which is being financed (or to be financed), in whole or in part by non-recourse debt, or (y) equity interests in, or indebtedness or other obligations of, one or more other such subsidiaries or persons, or (z) indebtedness or other obligations of us or our subsidiaries or other persons. At the time of designation of any project finance subsidiary, the sum of the net book value of the assets of such subsidiary and the net book value of the assets of all other project finance subsidiaries then existing shall not in the aggregate exceed 10 percent of the consolidated net tangible assets. "Sale and leaseback transaction" means any arrangement entered into by us or any subsidiary with any person providing for the leasing to us or any subsidiary of any principal property (except for temporary leases for a term, including any renewal thereof, of not more than three years and except for leases between us and a subsidiary or between subsidiaries), which principal property has been or is to be sold or transferred by us or such subsidiary to such person. "Significant subsidiary" means any subsidiary of ours, other than a project finance subsidiary, that is a "significant subsidiary" as defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as such regulation is in effect on the date of issuance of the notes. "Subsidiary" of any entity means any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust or estate of which (or in which) more than 50% of (i) the issued and outstanding capital stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether at the time capital stock of any other class or classes of such corporation shall or might have voting power upon the occurrence of any contingency), (ii) the interest in the capital or profits of such limited liability company, partnership, joint venture or other entity or (iii) the beneficial interest in such trust or estate is at the time directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such entity, by such entity and one or more of its other subsidiaries or by one or more of such entity's other subsidiaries. "Value" means, with respect to a sale and leaseback transaction, as of any particular time, the amount equal to the greater of (1) the net proceeds from the sale or transfer of the property leased pursuant to such sale and leaseback transaction or (2) the fair value, in the opinion of our board of directors, of such property at the time of entering into such sale and leaseback transaction, in either case divided first by the number of full years of the term of the lease and then multiplied by the number of full years of such term remaining at the time of determination, without regard to any renewal or extension options contained in the lease. Payment and Paying Agent. We have designated the trustee as the sole paying agent for the Senior Notes. Events of Default. Each of the following is an event of default under the indenture with respect to the Senior Notes; provided, however, that the event of default described in the fourth bullet point below will terminate pursuant to the termination provision of the indenture and will no longer be applicable to the notes on and after the termination date referred to under "Restrictive Covenants" above:

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![](cerc_exhibit4vx12312025008.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8 • our failure to pay principal or premium, if any, on the notes when due, • our failure to pay any interest on the notes for 30 days, • our failure to perform, or our breach in any material respect of, any other covenant or warranty in the indenture, other than a covenant or warranty included in the indenture solely for the benefit of another series of our debt securities issued under the indenture, for 90 days after either the trustee or holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding notes of that series have given us written notice of the breach in the manner required by the indenture, • the default by us or any subsidiary, other than a project finance subsidiary, of ours in the payment, when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, of principal of indebtedness for money borrowed, other than non-recourse debt, in the aggregate principal amount then outstanding of $50 million or more, or acceleration of any indebtedness for money borrowed in such aggregate principal amount so that it becomes due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable and such acceleration is not rescinded or such default is not cured within 30 days after notice to us in accordance with the indenture, and • specified events involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, provided, however, that no event described in the third, fourth or fifth bullet points above will be an event of default until an officer of the trustee, assigned to and working in the trustee's corporate trust department, has actual knowledge of the event or until the trustee receives written notice of the event at its corporate trust office, and the notice refers to the notes generally, us or the indenture. (Section 501) If an event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to the notes, either the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding notes may declare the principal amount of the notes due and immediately payable. To declare the principal amount of the notes due and immediately payable, the trustee or the holders must deliver a notice that satisfies the requirements of the indenture. Upon a declaration by the trustee or the holders, we will be obligated to pay the principal amount of the notes. This right does not apply if an event of default described in the fifth bullet point above occurs. If one of the events of default described in the fifth bullet point above occurs and is continuing, the notes then outstanding under the indenture shall be due and payable immediately. After any declaration of acceleration of the notes, but before a judgment or decree for payment, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul the declaration of acceleration if all events of default, other than the non-payment of principal, have been cured or waived as provided in the indenture. (Section 502) If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee will generally have no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders, unless the holders offer reasonable indemnity to the trustee. (Section 603) The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes will generally have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee for the notes, provided that:

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![](cerc_exhibit4vx12312025009.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9 • the direction is not in conflict with any law or the indenture, • the trustee may take any other action it deems proper which is not inconsistent with the direction, and • the trustee will generally have the right to decline to follow the direction if an officer of the trustee determines, in good faith, that the proceeding would involve the trustee in personal liability or would otherwise be contrary to applicable law. (Section 512) A holder of a note may only pursue a remedy under the indenture if: • the holder has previously given the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default for the notes, • holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding notes have made a written request to the trustee to pursue that remedy, • the holders have offered reasonable indemnity to the trustee, • the trustee fails to pursue that remedy within 60 days after receipt of the notice, request and offer of indemnity, and • during that 60-day period, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the notes do not give the trustee a direction inconsistent with the request. (Section 507) However, these limitations do not apply to a suit by a holder of a note demanding payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on a note on or after the date the payment is due. (Section 508) We will be required to furnish to the trustee annually a statement by some of our officers regarding our performance or observance of any of the terms of the indenture and specifying all of our known defaults, if any. (Section 1004) Defeasance. If we deposit with the trustee funds or government securities sufficient to make payments on the notes on the dates those payments are due and payable, then, at our option, either of the following will occur: • we will be discharged from our obligations with respect to the notes ("legal defeasance"), or • we will no longer have any obligation to comply with the restrictive covenants under the indenture, and the related events of default in the third and fourth bullet points under "— Events of Default" above and the restrictions described under "— Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets" below will no longer apply to us, but some of our other obligations under the indenture and the notes, including our obligation to make payments on those notes, will survive. If we defease the notes, the holders of the notes will not be entitled to the benefits of the indenture, except for our obligations to:

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![](cerc_exhibit4vx12312025010.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10 • register the transfer or exchange of the notes, • replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen notes, and • maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust. We will be required to deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel that the deposit and related defeasance would not cause the holders of the notes to recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes and that the holders would be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit and related defeasance had not occurred. If we elect legal defeasance, that opinion of counsel must be based upon a ruling from the United States Internal Revenue Service or a change in law to that effect. (Sections 1401, 1402, 1403 and 1404). Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets Under the indenture, we may not consolidate with or merge into, or convey, transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety, to any person, referred to as a "successor person," and we may not permit any person to consolidate with or merge into, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to us, unless: • the successor person is a corporation, partnership, trust or other entity organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, • the successor person expressly assumes our obligations with respect to the debt securities and the indenture, • immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default, would occur and be continuing, and • we have delivered to the trustee the certificates and opinions required under the indenture. (Section 801) As used in the indenture, the term "corporation" means a corporation, association, company, joint-stock company or business trust. Exchange and Transfer of the Senior Notes. The notes were issued in registered form, without coupons, in denominations of integral multiples of $1,000. Holders may present notes for exchange or for registration of transfer at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any transfer agent we designate for that purpose. The security registrar or designated transfer agent will exchange or transfer the notes if it is satisfied with the documents of title and identity of the person making the request. We will not charge a service charge for any exchange or registration of transfer of notes. However, we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable for the exchange or registration of transfer. The trustee will serve as the security registrar. (Section 305) At any time we may:

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![](cerc_exhibit4vx12312025011.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11 • designate additional transfer agents, • rescind the designation of any transfer agent, or • approve a change in the office of any transfer agent. However, we are required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for the Senior Notes at all times. (Sections 305 and 1002) In the event we elect to redeem the Senior Notes, neither we nor the trustee will be required to register the transfer or exchange of the Senior Notes: • during the period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day we mail the notice of redemption for such notes and ending at the close of business on the day the notice is mailed, or • if we have selected such notes for redemption, in whole or in part, except for the unredeemed portion of such notes. (Section 305) Regarding the Trustee. The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, is the trustee, security registrar and paying agent under the Indenture for the Senior Notes. Our affiliates maintain brokerage relationships and a rabbi trust with the trustee and its affiliates. Book-Entry Delivery and Settlement. The Senior Notes were issued in the form of one or more permanent global notes in definitive, fully registered, book-entry form. The global notes were either deposited with or on behalf of The Depository Trust Company and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC, or remained in the custody of the trustee in accordance with the FAST Balance Certificate Agreement between DTC and the trustee. Beneficial interests in the global notes are represented through book-entry accounts of financial institutions acting on behalf of beneficial owners as direct and indirect participants in DTC. Investors may hold interests in the global notes through DTC either directly if they are participants in DTC or indirectly through organizations that are participants in DTC. DTC has advised us as follows:

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![](cerc_exhibit4vx12312025012.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12 • DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a "clearing agency" registered under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. • DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC and facilitates the settlement among participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. • Direct participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other organizations. • DTC is owned by a number of its direct participants and by The New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange LLC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. • Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participant, either directly or indirectly. • The rules applicable to DTC and its direct and indirect participants are on file with the SEC. We have provided the description of the operations and procedures of DTC herein solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of DTC and are subject to change by it from time to time. Neither we nor the underwriters or the trustee takes any responsibility for these operations or procedures, and you are urged to contact DTC or its participants directly to discuss these matters. We expect that under procedures established by DTC: • upon deposit of the global notes with DTC or its custodian, DTC will credit on its internal system the accounts of direct participants designated by the underwriters with portions of the principal amounts of the global notes; and • ownership of the notes will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee, with respect to interests of direct participants, and the records of direct and indirect participants, with respect to interests of persons other than participants. The laws of some jurisdictions may require that purchasers of securities take physical delivery of those securities in definitive form. Accordingly, the ability to transfer interests in the notes represented by a global note to those persons may be limited. In addition, because DTC can act only on behalf of its participants, who in turn act on behalf of persons who hold interests through participants, the ability of a person having an interest in notes represented by a global note to pledge or transfer those interests to persons or entities that do not participate in DTC's system, or otherwise to take actions in respect of such interest, may be affected by the lack of a physical definitive security in respect of such interest. So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of a global note, DTC or that nominee will be considered the sole owner or holder of the notes represented by that global note for all purposes under the indenture and under the notes. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a global note will not be entitled to have notes represented by that global note registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated notes and will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the indenture or under the notes for any purpose, including with respect to the giving of any direction, instruction or approval to

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![](cerc_exhibit4vx12312025013.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13 the trustee. Accordingly, each holder owning a beneficial interest in a global note must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if that holder is not a direct or indirect participant, on the procedures of the participant through which that holder owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder of notes under the indenture or the global note. Neither we nor the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of notes by DTC, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of DTC relating to the notes. Payments on the notes represented by the global notes will be made to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner thereof. We expect that DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment on the notes represented by a global note, will credit participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the global note as shown in the records of DTC or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global note held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practice as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in the names of nominees for such customers. The participants will be responsible for those payments. Certificated Notes. Certificated notes will be issued to each person that DTC identifies as the beneficial owner of the notes represented by the global notes, upon surrender by DTC of the global notes, if (i) DTC or any successor depositary (the "depositary") notifies us that it is no longer willing or able to act as a depositary for the global notes or DTC ceases to be registered as a clearing agency under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a successor depositary is not appointed within 90 days of such notice or cessation, (ii) we, at our option and subject to DTC procedures, notify the trustee in writing that we elect to cause the issuance of notes in definitive form under the indenture or (iii) upon the occurrence of certain other events as provided pursuant to the indenture.

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## Exhibit 10.16

![](exhibit10x16-cnp_2026psu001.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. 2022 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN PERFORMANCE AWARD AGREEMENT FOR CHAIR OF BOARD, PRESIDENT & CEO JANUARY 1, 20XX – DECEMBER 31, 20XX PERFORMANCE CYCLE Pursuant to this Performance Award Agreement (the "Award Agreement"), CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. (the "Company") hereby grants to , an employee of the Company, this Performance Award (the "Award") covering the target number of shares, , of Common Stock (the "Target Shares") pursuant to the CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. 2022 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN (the "Plan"). The number of Target Shares shall be subject to adjustment as provided in Section 14 of the Plan, conditioned upon the Company's achievement of the Performance Goals over the course of the 20XX – 20XX Performance Cycle, and subject to the following terms and conditions: 1. Relationship to the Plan. The Award is subject to all of the terms, conditions and provisions of the Plan in effect on the date hereof and administrative interpretations thereunder, if any, adopted by the Committee. To the extent that any provision of this Award Agreement conflicts with the express terms of the Plan, it is hereby acknowledged and agreed that the terms of the Plan shall control and, if necessary, the applicable provisions of this Award Agreement shall be hereby deemed amended so as to carry out the purpose and intent of the Plan. References to the Participant herein also include the heirs or other legal representatives of the Participant. 2. Definitions. Except as defined herein, capitalized terms shall have the same meanings ascribed to them under the Plan. For purposes of this Award Agreement: "Achievement Percentage" means the percentage of achievement determined by the Committee after the end of the Performance Cycle in accordance with Section 4 that reflects the extent to which the Company achieved the Performance Goals during the Performance Cycle. "Cause" means the Participant's (a) gross negligence in the performance of his or her duties, (b) intentional and continued failure to perform his or her duties, (c) intentional engagement in conduct which is materially injurious to the Company or its Subsidiaries (monetarily or otherwise) or (d) conviction of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. For this purpose, an act or failure to act on the part of the Participant will be deemed "intentional" only if done or omitted to be done by the Participant not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his or her action or omission was in the best interest of the Company, and no act or failure to act on the part of the Participant will be deemed "intentional" if it was due primarily to an error in judgment or negligence. "Change in Control Closing Date" means the date a Change in Control is consummated during the Performance Cycle. "Change in Control Payment Date" means the following:

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-2- (a) If the Change in Control is a Section 409A Change in Control, then the Change in Control Payment Date shall be not later than the 70th day after the Change in Control Closing Date; and (b) If the Change in Control is a Non-Section 409A Change in Control, then the Change in Control Payment Date shall be a date following the last day of the Performance Cycle but no later than March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which occurs the last day of the Performance Cycle; provided, however, in the case of the Participant's death or Separation from Service after the Change in Control but prior to such date, all shares not previously paid shall be paid not later than the 70th day after the Participant's Separation from Service date except as otherwise provided in Section 7(c). "Covered Termination" means a Separation from Service that occurs within two years after the date upon which a Change in Control occurs and that does not result from any of the following: (a) death; (b) Disability; (c) involuntary termination for Cause; or (d) resignation by the Participant, unless such resignation is for Good Reason. "Disability" means that the Participant is eligible for and in receipt of benefits under the Company's long-term disability plan. "Employment" means employment with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. "Good Reason" means any one or more of the following events: (a) a failure to maintain the Participant in the position, or a substantially equivalent position, with the Company and/or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, which the Participant held immediately prior to the Change in Control; (b) a significant adverse change in the authorities, powers, functions, responsibilities, duties, or reporting structure which the Participant held immediately prior to the Change in Control; (c) a significant reduction in the Participant's annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to the date on which a Change in Control occurs; (d) a significant reduction in the Participant's qualified retirement benefits, nonqualified benefits and welfare benefits provided to the Participant immediately prior to the date on which a Change in Control occurs; provided, however, that a contemporaneous diminution of or reduction in qualified retirement benefits and/or welfare benefits which is of general application and which uniformly and contemporaneously reduces or diminishes the benefits of all covered

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-3- employees shall be ignored and not be considered a reduction in remuneration for purposes of this paragraph (d); (e) a significant reduction in the Participant's overall compensation opportunities (as contrasted with overall compensation actually paid or awarded) under a short-term incentive plan, a long-term incentive plan or other equity plan (or in such substitute or alternative plans) from that provided to the Participant immediately prior to the date on which a Change in Control occurs; (f) a change in the location of the Participant's principal place of employment with the Company by more than 50 miles from the location where the Participant was principally employed immediately prior to the date on which a Change in Control occurs; or (g) a failure by the Company to provide directors and officers liability insurance covering the Participant comparable to that provided to the Participant immediately prior to the date on which a Change in Control occurs; provided, however, that no later than 30 days after learning of the action (or inaction) described herein as the basis for a termination of employment for Good Reason, the Participant shall advise the Company in writing that the action (or inaction) constitutes grounds for a termination of his or her Employment for Good Reason, in which event the Company shall have 30 days (the "Cure Period") to correct such action (or inaction). If such action (or inaction) is not corrected prior to the end of the Cure Period, then the Participant may terminate his or her Employment with the Company for Good Reason within the 30-day period following the end of the Cure Period by giving written notice to the Company. If such action (or inaction) is corrected before the end of the Cure Period, then the Participant shall not be entitled to terminate his or her Employment for Good Reason as a result of such action (or inaction). "Non-Section 409A Change in Control" means a Change in Control that is not a Section 409A Change in Control. "Performance Cycle" means the period beginning on January 1, 20XX and ending on December 31, 20XX. "Performance Goal" means the standards established by the Committee for the Performance Cycle to determine in whole or in part the number of Vested Shares pursuant to Section 4, which are specified in a separate document provided with this Award Agreement and made a part hereof for all purposes. "Retirement" means a Separation from Service for any reason other than by the Company for Cause or due to death or Disability, (a) on or after the attainment of age 55 and with a sum of age and years of Employment of 65 or greater or (b) with at least five years of Employment in the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Company; provided, however, that a Separation from Service will not qualify as a "Retirement" unless the following conditions are satisfied: (a) the Participant provides to the Company a comprehensive transition plan for the Participant's role and responsibilities and such plan is approved and accepted by the Company in its sole discretion;

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-4- (b) the Participant provides the Company at least three months' written notice of the Participant's Retirement or, if the Participant is a Section 16 Officer, reasonable advance written notice (as determined by the Committee) of the Participant's Retirement to the Chief Human Resources Officer; and (c) If the Participant is a Section 16 Officer, the Committee approves, in its sole discretion, the Participant's Retirement under this Award Agreement prior to the Participant's Separation from Service. "Sale of a Subsidiary" means, with respect to the Subsidiary for which the Participant is performing services at the time of the applicable event, the occurrence of any of the following events: (a) A change in the ownership of such Subsidiary, as determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v) or (b) A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of such Subsidiary's assets, as determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii). If the Subsidiary is not a corporation, the above referenced Treasury Regulations may be applied by analogy in accordance with guidance issued under Section 409A. "Section 16 Officer" means a Participant who is an "officer" within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act as of the date notice of the Participant's Retirement is provided to the Chief Human Resources Officer. "Section 409A" means Code Section 409A and the Treasury regulations and guidance issued thereunder. "Section 409A Change in Control" means a Change in Control that satisfies the requirements of a change in control for purposes of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(v) and the Treasury regulations and guidance issued thereunder. "Separation from Service" means a separation from service with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries within the meaning of Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-1(h) (or any successor regulation). "Target Shares" means the actual number of shares originally granted to the Participant as specified in this Award Agreement. "Vested Shares" means the shares of Common Stock actually distributable to the Participant following the Participant's satisfaction of the vesting provisions of Section 5 and, if applicable, the determination by the Committee of the extent to which the Company has achieved the Performance Goals for the Performance Cycle pursuant to Section 4. 3. Establishment of Award Account. The grant of Target Shares pursuant to this Award Agreement shall be implemented by a credit to a bookkeeping account maintained by the Company evidencing the Participant's unfunded and unsecured right to receive shares of Common Stock of the Company, which right shall be subject to the terms, conditions and restrictions set forth in the Plan and to the further terms, conditions and restrictions set forth in this Award Agreement. Except as otherwise provided in this Award Agreement, the Target Shares of Common Stock credited to the Participant's bookkeeping account may not be sold, assigned,

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-5- transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered until the Participant has been registered as a holder of shares of Common Stock on the records of the Company as provided in Section 6 or 7 of this Award Agreement. 4. Award Opportunity. (a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 5(b)(ii) or Section 6, the Participant's Vested Shares shall be the product of the number of Target Shares and the Achievement Percentage that is based upon the Committee's determination of whether and to what extent the Performance Goals have been achieved during the Performance Cycle. (b) No later than 60 days after the close of the Performance Cycle, the Committee shall determine the extent to which each Performance Goal has been achieved. If the Company has performed at or above the threshold level of achievement for a Performance Goal, the Achievement Percentage shall be between X% and X%. In no event shall the Achievement Percentage exceed X%. Upon completing its determination of the level at which the Performance Goals have been achieved, the Committee shall notify the Participant, in the form and manner as determined by the Committee, of the number of Vested Shares that will be issued to the Participant pursuant to Section 5. 5. Vesting of Shares. (a) Unless earlier forfeited in accordance with Section 5(b)(i) or unless earlier vested in accordance with Section 5(b)(ii), Section 6(b), Section 6(c) or Section 6(d), the Participant's right to receive shares pursuant to this Award Agreement, if any, shall vest on the last day of the Performance Cycle (with the number of shares, if any, based on the Committee's determination that each Performance Goal has been met (as provided in Section 4)). As soon as administratively practicable, but in no event later than 70 days, after the close of the Performance Cycle, the Committee shall notify the Participant as required by Section 4 of the level at which the Performance Goals established for the Performance Cycle have been achieved. (b) If the Participant's Separation from Service date occurs prior to the close of the Performance Cycle and the occurrence of a vesting event described in Section 6(b), 6(c), or 6(d) (in connection with a Change in Control or a Sale of a Subsidiary), then the applicable of the following clauses shall apply with respect to the Target Shares subject to this Award Agreement: (i) Forfeiture of Entire Award. Except as otherwise provided under Section (b)(ii) or (b)(iii), if the Participant's Employment is terminated such that the Participant has a Separation from Service by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or by the Participant, then the Participant's right to receive any Target Shares shall be forfeited in its entirety as of the date of such Separation from Service. (ii) Death or Disability. If the Participant's Employment is terminated due to death or Disability, the Participant's right to receive the Target Shares shall vest on the date of such Separation from Service. The Participant's right to receive any additional shares pursuant to this Award Agreement shall be forfeited at such time.

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-6- (iii) Retirement. If the Participant's Employment is terminated due to Retirement, then the Award shall remain outstanding and the Participant shall be vested in the right to receive the number of Vested Shares based upon the Committee's determination of achievement of Performance Goals as provided in Section 4, provided, however, that if the Participant's Retirement occurs before the first anniversary of the beginning of the Performance Cycle, the number of Vested Shares such Participant shall entitled to receive shall be pro-rated by multiplying (x) the number of Vested Shares the Participant would have otherwise received under this Section 5(b)(iii) by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days elapsed in the Performance Cycle as of the date of the Participant's Separation from Service and the denominator of which is the total number of days in the Performance Cycle. (c) In accordance with the provisions of this Section 5, the Vested Shares shall be distributed as provided in Section 7 hereof. 6. Change in Control. (a) Assumption or Substitution. In the event of a Change in Control, the surviving, continuing, successor, or purchasing corporation or other business entity or parent thereof, as the case may be (the "Acquiror"), may, without the Participant's consent, either assume or continue the Company's rights and obligations under this Award Agreement or provide a substantially equivalent award in substitution for the shares subject to this Award. (b) Vesting Upon a Change in Control. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary and without regard to the Performance Goals, if (i) there is a Change in Control during the Performance Cycle and prior to the Participant's Separation from Service (other than a Separation from Service due to Retirement) and (ii) the Acquiror does not assume or continue this Award or provide a substantially equivalent award in substitution for this Award pursuant to Section 6(a), then upon the Change in Control Closing Date, the Participant's right to receive the Target Shares shall vest. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Change in Control occurs after the Participant has had a Separation from Service due to Retirement and such Retirement occurred before the first anniversary of the beginning of the Performance Cycle, the Target Shares such Participant shall receive under this Section 6(b) shall be pro-rated based on the number of days that elapsed in the Performance Cycle as of the date of the Participant's Separation from Service over the total number of days in the Performance Cycle. (c) Vesting Upon a Covered Termination. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary and without regard to the Performance Goals, if the Participant experiences a Covered Termination during the Performance Cycle, then, upon the date of the Covered Termination, the Participant's right to receive the Target Shares shall vest. (d) Vesting Upon the Sale of a Subsidiary. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary and without regard to the Performance Goals, if (i) a Sale of a Subsidiary with respect to the Participant occurs during the Performance Cycle and (ii) the Participant's employment with the Company and all Subsidiaries (other than any entity that ceases to be a Subsidiary as a result of the Sale of a Subsidiary) ceases upon and in connection with

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-7- such Sale of a Subsidiary, then upon such Sale of a Subsidiary, the Participant's right to receive the Target Shares shall vest in the proportion of the number of days elapsed in the Performance Cycle as of the date of the Sale of a Subsidiary by the total number of days in the Performance Cycle. The Participant's right to receive any additional shares pursuant to this Award Agreement shall be forfeited at such time. (e) Distributions Upon a Change in Control or Sale of a Subsidiary. If the Participant is entitled to a benefit pursuant to Section 6(b), 6(c), or 6(d) hereof, then this Award shall be settled by the distribution to the Participant of: (i) shares of Common Stock equal to the Target Shares (or such pro- rated amount as set forth in Section 6(b) or 6(d), if applicable); plus (ii) Dividend Equivalents on such shares of Common Stock in the form of shares of Common Stock (rounded up to the nearest whole share) for the period commencing at the beginning of the Performance Cycle and ending on the date immediately preceding the date of the distribution. In lieu of the foregoing distribution in shares, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may direct that such distribution be made to the Participant in a lump cash payment equal to: (x) the product of (A) the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock on the date immediately preceding the date of the distribution and (B) the Target Shares (or such pro-rated amount as set forth in Section 6(b) or 6(d), if applicable); plus (y) Dividend Equivalents on such shares of Common Stock for the period commencing at the beginning of the Performance Cycle and ending on the date immediately preceding the date of the distribution. Such distribution, whether in the form of shares of Common Stock or, if directed by the Committee, in cash, shall satisfy the rights of the Participant and the obligations of the Company under this Award Agreement in full. (f) Timing of Distribution. (i) No Assumption or Substitution. If the Participant is entitled to a benefit pursuant to Section 6(b), distributions shall be made in accordance with Section 6(e) on the Change in Control Payment Date. (ii) Covered Termination. If the Participant is entitled to a benefit pursuant to Section 6(c) on account of a Covered Termination, distributions shall be made in accordance with Section 6(e) not later than the 70th day after the Participant's Separation from Service date except as otherwise provided in Section 7(c). (iii) Sale of a Subsidiary. If the Participant is entitled to a benefit pursuant to Section 6(d), distributions shall be made in accordance with Section 6(e) not later than the 70th day after the date the Sale of a Subsidiary is consummated.

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-8- 7. Distribution of Vested Shares. (a) If the Participant's right to receive shares pursuant to this Award Agreement has vested pursuant to Section 5(a) or Section 5(b)(iii), a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Vested Shares shall be distributed no later than March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which occurs the last day of the Performance Cycle. (b) If the Participant's right to receive shares pursuant to this Award Agreement has vested pursuant to Section 5(b)(ii), a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Vested Shares shall be distributed not later than the 70th day after the Participant's Separation from Service date except as otherwise provided in Section 7(c). (c) With respect to any benefits payable hereunder upon the Participant's Separation from Service (other than a Separation from Service due to the Participant's death), if as of the Participant's Separation from Service date, the Participant is a "specified employee" (within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)), then such benefits shall not be distributed until the date that is the earlier of (i) the second business day following the end of the six-month period commencing on the Participant's Separation from Service date or (ii) the Participant's date of death, if death occurs during such six-month period. (d) The Company shall have the right to withhold applicable taxes from any such distribution of Vested Shares or from other compensation payable to the Participant at the time of such vesting and distribution pursuant to Section 11 of the Plan (but subject to compliance with the requirements of Section 409A, if applicable). (e) Upon distribution of the Vested Shares pursuant to this Section 7, the Participant shall also be entitled to receive Dividend Equivalents for the Vested Shares for the period after the commencement of the Performance Cycle but prior to the date the Vested Shares are delivered to the Participant (in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A, to the extent applicable). 8. Confidentiality. The Participant agrees that the terms of this Award Agreement are confidential and that any disclosure to anyone for any purpose whatsoever (save and except disclosure to financial institutions as part of a financial statement, financial, tax and legal advisors, or as required by law) by the Participant or his or her agents, representatives, heirs, children, spouse, employees or spokespersons shall be a breach of this Award Agreement and the Company may elect to revoke the grant made hereunder, seek damages, plus interest and reasonable attorneys' fees, and take any other lawful actions to enforce this Award Agreement. 9. Participant Obligations. (a) Confidentiality. The Participant acknowledges that in the course of his or her employment with the Company, the Company agrees to provide to the Participant Confidential Information regarding the Company and the Company's business and has previously provided the Participant other such Confidential Information. In return for this and other consideration, provided under this Award Agreement, the Participant agrees that he or she will not, while employed by the Company and thereafter, disclose or make available to any other person or entity, or use for his own personal gain, any Confidential Information, except for such disclosures as required in the performance of his or her duties

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-9- hereunder or as may otherwise be required by law or legal process (in which case the Participant shall notify the Company of such legal or judicial proceeding by a non- governmental party as soon as practicable following his receipt of notice of such a proceeding, and permit the Company to seek to protect its interests and information). Nothing in this Award Agreement, however, limits or precludes Participant from making a good faith voluntary report, charge, complaint, or claim to or providing truthful testimony and documents as required by law or under oath pursuant to a subpoena, court order, or request by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal, state, or local government agency or commission ("Government Agencies"). Participant further understands that this Award Agreement does not limit Participant's ability to communicate with any Government Agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information to the Government Agency, without notice to the Company. For purposes of this Award Agreement, "Confidential Information" shall mean any and all information, data and knowledge that has been created, discovered, developed or otherwise become known to the Company or any of its affiliates or ventures or in which property rights have been assigned or otherwise conveyed to the Company or any of its affiliates or ventures, which information, data or knowledge has commercial value in the business in which the Company is engaged, except such information, data or knowledge as is or becomes known to the public without violation of the terms of this Award Agreement. By way of illustration, but not limitation, Confidential Information includes business trade secrets, secrets concerning the Company's plans and strategies, nonpublic information concerning material market opportunities, technical trade secrets, processes, formulas, know-how, improvements, discoveries, developments, designs, inventions, techniques, marketing plans, manuals, records of research, reports, memoranda, computer software, strategies, forecasts, new products, unpublished financial information, projections, licenses, prices, costs, and employee, customer and supplier lists or parts thereof. The Participant acknowledges notice that under the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA), no individual may be held criminally or civilly liable under federal or state trade secret law for a trade secret disclosure that complies with 18 U.S.C. §1833(b) such as a disclosure (i) made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney and made solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (ii) made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other adjudicatory proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Also, under the DTSA, an individual pursuing a legal claim for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of the law may disclose a trade secret to his/her attorney and use it in information in the court or adjudicatory proceeding if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret except to an order of the court or adjudicator. (b) Return of Property. The Participant agrees that at the time of his or her Separation from Service, he or she will deliver to the Company (and will not keep in his or her possession, recreate or deliver to anyone else) all Confidential Information as well as all other devices, records, data, notes, reports, proposals, lists, correspondence, specifications, drawings, blueprints, sketches, materials, equipment, customer or client lists or information, or any other documents or property (including all reproductions of the

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-10- aforementioned items) belonging to the Company or any of its affiliates or ventures, regardless of whether such items were prepared by the Participant. (c) Non-Solicitation and Non-Competition. (i) Non-Solicitation. For consideration provided under this Award Agreement, including, but not limited to the Company's agreement to provide the Participant with Confidential Information (as defined in Section 9(a)) regarding the Company and the Company's business, the Participant agrees that, while employed by the Company and for one year following his or her Separation from Service, he or she shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, directly or indirectly, (A) hire or induce, entice or solicit (or attempt to induce, entice or solicit) any employee of the Company or any of its affiliates or ventures to leave the employment of the Company or any of its affiliates or ventures or (B) solicit or attempt to solicit the business of any customer or acquisition prospect of the Company or any of its affiliates or ventures with whom the Participant had any actual contact while employed at the Company. (ii) Non-Competition. For consideration provided under this Award Agreement, including, but not limited to the Company's agreement to provide the Participant with Confidential Information regarding the Company and the Company's business, the Participant agrees that while employed by the Company and for one year following a Separation from Service he or she will not, without the prior written consent of the Company, acting alone or in conjunction with others, either directly or indirectly, engage in any business that is in competition with the Company or accept employment with or render services to such a business as an officer, agent, employee, independent contractor or consultant, or otherwise engage in activities that are in competition with the Company. (iii) Restricted Area. The restrictions contained in this Section 9(c) are limited to a 50-mile radius around any geographical area in which the Company engages (or has definite plans to engage) in operations or the marketing of its products or services at the time of the Participant's Separation from Service. (iv) Minnesota Participants. If the Participant primarily resides and works for the Company in Minnesota when last employed with the Company or any of its affiliates, the post-employment non-competition covenant set forth in Section 9(c)(ii) above shall not apply to the Participant. (d) Restrictions Reasonable. The Participant acknowledges that the restrictive covenants under this Section 9, for which the Participant received valuable consideration from the Company as provided in this Award Agreement, including, but not limited to the Company's agreement to provide the Participant with Confidential Information regarding the Company and the Company's business are ancillary to otherwise enforceable provisions of this Award Agreement that the consideration provided by the Company gives rise to the Company's interest in restraining the Participant from competing and that the restrictive covenants are designed to enforce the Participant's consideration or return promises under this Award Agreement. Additionally, the Participant acknowledges that these restrictive covenants contain limitations as to time, geographical area, and scope of

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-11- activity to be restrained that are reasonable and do not impose a greater restraint than is necessary to protect the goodwill or other legitimate business interests of the Company, including, but not limited to, the Company's need to protect its Confidential Information. (e) Violations. If the Participant violates any provision of this Section 9, the Participant shall not be entitled to receive any amounts that would otherwise be payable to the Participant with respect to this Award, and such amounts shall be forfeited. If the Participant violates any provision of this Section 9 after amounts under this Award have been paid or if the Company learns of the violation after amounts under this Award have been paid, the Participant shall repay to the Company the Common Shares (or the equivalent value thereof determined as of the date of the Company's demand) or the cash received, as the case may be, within thirty (30) days of receiving a demand from the Company for the repayment of the Award. Further, the Company shall be entitled to an award of attorneys' fees incurred with securing any relief hereunder and/or pursuant to a breach or threatened breach of this Section 9. 10. Notices. For purposes of this Award Agreement, notices to the Company shall be deemed to have been duly given upon receipt of written notice by the Corporate Secretary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc., 1111 Louisiana, Houston, Texas 77002, or to such other address as the Company may furnish to the Participant. Notices to the Participant shall be deemed effectively delivered or given upon personal, electronic, or postal delivery of written notice to the Participant, the place of Employment of the Participant, the address on record for the Participant at the human resources department of the Company, or such other address as the Participant hereafter designates by written notice to the Company. 11. Shareholder Rights. The Participant shall have no rights of a shareholder with respect to the Target Shares, unless and until the Participant is registered as the holder of shares of Common Stock. 12. Successors and Assigns. This Award Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Participant, the Company and their respective permitted successors and assigns except as expressly prohibited herein and in the Plan. Notwithstanding anything herein or in the Plan to the contrary, the Target Shares are transferable by the Participant to Immediate Family Members, Immediate Family Member trusts, and Immediate Family Member partnerships pursuant to Section 13 of the Plan. 13. No Employment Guaranteed. Nothing in this Award Agreement shall give the Participant any rights to (or impose any obligations for) continued Employment by the Company or any Subsidiary or any successor thereto, nor shall it give such entities any rights (or impose any obligations) with respect to continued performance of duties by the Participant. 14. Waiver. Failure of either party to demand strict compliance with any of the terms or conditions hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of such term or condition, nor shall any waiver by either party of any right hereunder at any one time or more times be deemed a waiver of such right at any other time or times. No term or condition hereof shall be deemed to have been waived except by written instrument.

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-12- 15. Compliance with Section 409A. It is the intent of the Company and the Participant that the provisions of the Plan and this Award Agreement comply with Section 409A and will be interpreted and administered consistent therewith. Accordingly, (a) no adjustment to the Award pursuant to Section 14 of the Plan and (b) no substitutions of the benefits under this Award Agreement, in each case, shall be made in a manner that results in noncompliance with the requirements of Section 409A, to the extent applicable. 16. Modification of Award Agreement. Any modification of this Award Agreement is subject to Section 15 hereof and shall be binding only if evidenced in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the Company. 17. Severability. If any provision of this Award Agreement is, becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of the Award Agreement shall not be affected thereby.

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## Exhibit 10.17

![](exhibit10x17-cnp_2026rsu001.jpg)

CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. 2022 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN FORM OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT FOR CHAIR OF BOARD, PRESIDENT & CEO (with Performance Goals) Pursuant to this Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement ("Award Agreement"), CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. (the "Company") hereby grants to , an employee of the Company, on (the "Award Date"), a restricted stock unit award of units of Common Stock of the Company (the "RSU Award") pursuant to the CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. 2022 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN (the "Plan"), conditioned upon the Company's achievement of the Performance Goals established by the Committee and subject to the terms, conditions and restrictions described in the Plan and as follows: 1. Relationship to the Plan; Definitions. This RSU Award is subject to all of the terms, conditions and provisions of the Plan in effect on the date hereof and administrative interpretations thereunder, if any, adopted by the Committee. Except as defined herein, capitalized terms shall have the same meanings ascribed to them under the Plan. To the extent that any provision of this Award Agreement conflicts with the express terms of the Plan, it is hereby acknowledged and agreed that the terms of the Plan shall control and, if necessary, the applicable provisions of this Award Agreement shall be hereby deemed amended so as to carry out the purpose and intent of the Plan. References to the Participant herein also include the heirs or other legal representatives of the Participant. For purposes of this Award Agreement: "Award Date" means the date this RSU Award is granted to the Participant as specified in this Award Agreement. "Cause" means the Participant's (a) gross negligence in the performance of his or her duties, (b) intentional and continued failure to perform his or her duties, (c) intentional engagement in conduct which is materially injurious to the Company or its Subsidiaries (monetarily or otherwise) or (d) conviction of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. For this purpose, an act or failure to act on the part of the Participant will be deemed "intentional" only if done or omitted to be done by the Participant not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his or her action or omission was in the best interest of the Company, and no act or failure to act on the part of the Participant will be deemed "intentional" if it was due primarily to an error in judgment or negligence. "Change in Control Closing Date" means the date a Change in Control is consummated. "Change in Control Payment Date" means the following: (a) If the Change in Control is a Section 409A Change in Control, then the Change in Control Payment Date shall be not later than the 70th day after the Change in Control Closing Date; and

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2 (b) If the Change in Control is a Non-Section 409A Change in Control, then the Change in Control Payment Date shall be the Vesting Date(s) on which the units are paid under Section 3 hereof for the number of units indicated in Section 3 assuming continuous Employment by the Participant as of such Vesting Date(s); provided, however, in the case of the Participant's death or Separation from Service prior to the Vesting Date(s), all shares not previously paid shall be paid not later than the 70th day after the Participant's Termination Date except as otherwise provided in Section 7. "Covered Termination" means a Separation from Service that occurs within two years after the date upon which a Change in Control occurs and that does not result from any of the following: (a) death; (b) Disability; (c) involuntary termination for Cause; or (d) resignation by the Participant, unless such resignation is for Good Reason. "Disability" means that the Participant is both eligible for and in receipt of benefits under the Company's long-term disability plan. "Employment" means employment with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. "Good Reason" means any one or more of the following events: (a) a failure to maintain the Participant in the position, or a substantially equivalent position, with the Company and/or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, which the Participant held immediately prior to the Change in Control; (b) a significant adverse change in the authorities, powers, functions, responsibilities, duties, or reporting structure which the Participant held immediately prior to the Change in Control; (c) a significant reduction in the Participant's annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to the date on which a Change in Control occurs; (d) a significant reduction in the Participant's qualified retirement benefits, nonqualified benefits and welfare benefits provided to the Participant immediately prior to the date on which a Change in Control occurs; provided, however, that a contemporaneous diminution of or reduction in qualified retirement benefits and/or welfare benefits which is of general application and which uniformly and contemporaneously reduces or diminishes the benefits of all covered employees shall be ignored and not be considered a reduction in remuneration for purposes of this paragraph (d);

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3 (e) a significant reduction in the Participant's overall compensation opportunities (as contrasted with overall compensation actually paid or awarded) under a short-term incentive plan, a long-term incentive plan or other equity plan (or in such substitute or alternative plans) from that provided to the Participant immediately prior to the date on which a Change in Control occurs; (f) a change in the location of the Participant's principal place of employment with the Company by more than 50 miles from the location where the Participant was principally employed immediately prior to the date on which a Change in Control occurs; or (g) a failure by the Company to provide directors and officers liability insurance covering the Participant comparable to that provided to the Participant immediately prior to the date on which a Change in Control occurs; provided, however, that no later than 30 days after learning of the action (or inaction) described herein as the basis for a termination of employment for Good Reason, the Participant shall advise the Company in writing that the action (or inaction) constitutes grounds for a termination of his or her Employment for Good Reason, in which event the Company shall have 30 days (the "Cure Period") to correct such action (or inaction). If such action (or inaction) is not corrected prior to the end of the Cure Period, then the Participant may terminate his or her Employment with the Company for Good Reason within the 30-day period following the end of the Cure Period by giving written notice to the Company. If such action (or inaction) is corrected before the end of the Cure Period, then the Participant shall not be entitled to terminate his or her Employment for Good Reason as a result of such action (or inaction). "Non-Section 409A Change in Control" means a Change in Control that is not a Section 409A Change in Control. "Performance Goals" means the standards established by the Committee to determine in whole or in part whether the units of Common Stock under the RSU Award shall vest, which are specified in a separate document provided with this Award Agreement and made a part hereof for all purposes. "Retirement" means a Separation from Service for any reason other than by the Company for Cause or due to death or Disability, (a) on or after the attainment of age 55 and with a sum of age and years of Employment of 65 or greater or (b) with at least five years of Employment in the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Company; provided, however, that a Separation from Service will not qualify as a "Retirement" unless the following conditions are satisfied: (a) the Participant provides to the Company a comprehensive transition plan for the Participant's role and responsibilities and such plan is approved and accepted by the Company in its sole discretion; (b) the Participant provides the Company at least three months' written notice of the Participant's Retirement or, if the Participant is a Section 16 Officer, reasonable advance written notice (as determined by the Committee) of the Participant's Retirement to the Chief Human Resources Officer; and

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4 (c) If the Participant is a Section 16 Officer, the Committee approves, in its sole discretion, the Participant's Retirement under this Award Agreement prior to the Participant's Separation from Service. "Sale of a Subsidiary" means, with respect to the Subsidiary for which the Participant is performing services at the time of the applicable event, the occurrence of any of the following events: (a) A change in the ownership of such Subsidiary, as determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v) or (b) A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of such Subsidiary's assets, as determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii). If the Subsidiary is not a corporation, the above referenced Treasury Regulations may be applied by analogy in accordance with guidance issued under Section 409A. "Section 16 Officer" means a Participant who is an "officer" within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act as of the date notice of the Participant's Retirement is provided to the Chief Human Resources Officers. "Section 409A" means Code Section 409A and the Treasury regulations and guidance issued thereunder. "Section 409A Change in Control" means a Change in Control that satisfies the requirements of a change in control for purposes of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(v) and the Treasury regulations and guidance issued thereunder. "Separation from Service" means a separation from service with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries within the meaning of Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-1(h) (or any successor regulation). "Termination Date" means the date of the Participant's Separation from Service. "Vesting Date" means one or more vesting dates as specified in Section 3. 2. Establishment of RSU Award Account. The grant of units of Common Stock of the Company pursuant to this Award Agreement shall be implemented by a credit to a bookkeeping account maintained by the Company evidencing the accrual in favor of the Participant of the unfunded and unsecured right to receive a corresponding number of shares of Common Stock, which right shall be subject to the terms, conditions and restrictions set forth in the Plan and to the further terms, conditions and restrictions set forth in this Award Agreement. Except as otherwise provided in Section 12 of this Award Agreement, the units of Common Stock credited to the Participant's bookkeeping account may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered until the Participant has been registered as the holder of shares of Common Stock on the records of the Company, as provided in Sections 4, 5, 6, or 7 of this Award Agreement.

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5 3. Vesting of RSU Award. Unless earlier vested or forfeited pursuant to this Section 3 or Section 4 or 5 below, the Participant's right to receive shares of Common Stock under this Award Agreement, if any, shall vest with respect to the number of units and on the Vesting Date(s) as shown in the following schedule, conditioned upon achievement of the applicable Performance Goals: No later than 60 days after each Vesting Date, the Committee shall determine the extent to which the applicable Performance Goals have been achieved. Upon completing its determination of the level at which the Performance Goals have been achieved, the Committee shall notify the Participant, in the form and manner as determined by the Committee, of the number of shares of Common Stock (if any) under this Award Agreement that will be issued to the Participant pursuant to Section 6. Except as provided in Sections 4 and 5 below, the Participant must be in continuous Employment during the period beginning on the Award Date and ending on the Vesting Date(s) in order for the units (as indicated above) of the RSU Award to vest on such Vesting Date(s); otherwise, all unvested units shall be forfeited as of the Participant's Termination Date. 4. Effect of Separation from Service; Timing of Distribution. (a) Death or Disability. Notwithstanding Section 3 above, if the Participant's Termination Date occurs prior to (i) the final Vesting Date and (ii) the occurrence of a vesting event described in Section 5(b), 5(c), or 5(d) (in connection with a Change in Control or a Sale of a Subsidiary), and is due to the Participant's death or Separation from Service due to Disability, then, without regard to the Performance Goals, the Participant shall vest in the right to receive the total number of unvested units of Common Stock subject to this Award Agreement. (b) Retirement. Notwithstanding Section 3 above, if the Participant's Termination Date occurs prior to (x) the final Vesting Date and (y) the occurrence of a vesting event described in Section 5(b), 5(c), or 5(d) (in connection with a Change in Control or a Sale of a Subsidiary) and is due to the Participant's Retirement, then the Participant shall vest in the right to receive the total number, if any, of unvested units of Common Stock subject to this Award Agreement based upon the Committee's determination of the achievement of the applicable Performance Goals as provided in Section 3, provided, however, that if the Participant's Retirement occurs before the January 1 immediately following the Award Date, the number of shares such Participant shall receive shall be pro-rated by multiplying (A) the total number of units of Common Stock covered by this RSU Award based upon the Committee's determination of the achievement of the Performance Goals as provided in Section 3 by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days that have elapsed from the Award Date to the Participant's Termination Date and the denominator of which is the total number of days from the Award Date until the final Vesting Date, and subtracting any units that vested prior to the Termination Date. If the Participant is a Section 16 Officer, benefits under this Section 5(b)(iii) shall be subject to the approval of the Committee, whose approval must occur prior to the Participant's Termination Date and is at the sole discretion of the Committee.

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6 (c) Timing of Distribution. (i) Death or Disability. If the Participant is entitled to a benefit pursuant to Section 4(a) hereof due to the Participant's death or Separation from Service due to Disability, then the number of shares of Common Stock determined in accordance with the applicable provision of this Section 4 shall be distributed not later than the 70th day after the Participant's Termination Date except as otherwise provided in Section 7. (ii) Retirement. If the Participant is entitled to a benefit pursuant to Section 4(b) hereof due to the Participant's Retirement, then the number of shares of Common Stock determined in accordance with Section 4(b), as applicable, shall be distributed on or within 70 days after the Vesting Date(s) upon which such units would be paid under Section 3 hereof assuming continuous Employment by the Participant as of such Vesting Date(s). (d) Dividend Equivalents. Upon the date of distribution of shares of Common Stock under this Section 4, the Participant shall also be entitled to receive Dividend Equivalents for the period from the Award Date to the date such vested shares of Common Stock are distributed to the Participant (in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A, to the extent applicable). 5. Change in Control. (a) Assumption or Substitution. In the event of a Change in Control, the surviving, continuing, successor, or purchasing corporation or other business entity or parent thereof, as the case may be (the "Acquiror"), may, without the Participant's consent, either assume or continue the Company's rights and obligations under this Award Agreement or provide a substantially equivalent award in substitution for the units subject to this RSU Award. (b) Vesting Upon a Change in Control. Notwithstanding any provision of this Award Agreement to the contrary and without regard to the Performance Goals, if (i) there is a Change in Control and the Change in Control Closing Date occurs prior to the final Vesting Date and prior to the Participant's Separation from Service (other than due to Retirement) and (ii) the Acquiror does not assume or continue this RSU Award or provide a substantially equivalent award in substitution for this RSU Award pursuant to Section 5(a), then, upon the Change in Control Closing Date, the Participant's right to receive the unvested units of Common Stock subject to this Award Agreement shall be fully vested. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Change in Control occurs after the Participant has had a Separation from Service due to Retirement and such Retirement occurred before the January 1 immediately following the Award Date, the number of shares of Common Stock such Participant shall receive under this Section 5(b) shall be pro-rated based on the number of days that elapsed from the Award Date to the Participant's Termination Date over the total number of days from the Award Date until the final Vesting Date and reduced by the number of any shares received under Section 4(b).

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7 (c) Vesting Upon a Covered Termination. Notwithstanding any provision of this Award Agreement to the contrary and without regard to the Performance Goals, if the Participant experiences a Covered Termination prior to the final Vesting Date, then, upon the date of the Covered Termination, the Participant's right to receive any unvested units of Common Stock subject to this Award Agreement shall be fully vested. (d) Vesting Upon the Sale of a Subsidiary. Notwithstanding any provision of this Award Agreement to the contrary and without regard to the Performance Goals, if (i) there is a Sale of a Subsidiary with respect to the Participant prior to the final Vesting Date and (ii) the Participant's employment with the Company and all Subsidiaries (other than any entity that ceases to be a Subsidiary as a result of the Sale of a Subsidiary) ceases upon and in connection with such Sale of a Subsidiary, then upon such Sale of a Subsidiary, the Participant shall vest in the right to receive a number of the shares of Common Stock (rounded up to the nearest whole share) with respect to the unvested portion of this RSU Award determined by multiplying (x) the total number of units of Common Stock covered by this RSU Award by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days that have elapsed from the Award Date to the date the Sale of a Subsidiary is consummated and the denominator of which is the total number of days from the Award Date until the final Vesting Date, and subtracting any units that vested prior to the Sale of the Subsidiary. The Participant's right to receive any additional shares pursuant to this Award Agreement shall be forfeited at such time. (e) Distributions Upon a Change in Control or Sale of a Subsidiary. If the Participant is entitled to a benefit pursuant to Section 5(b), 5(c), or 5(d) hereof, then this RSU Award shall be settled by one or more distributions to the Participant of: (i) The number of units of Common Stock subject to this Award Agreement not previously vested or forfeited pursuant to Sections 3 or 4 above (or such pro-rated amount as set forth in Section 5(b) or 5(d), if applicable), plus (ii) Dividend Equivalents on such units of Common Stock in the form of shares of Common Stock (rounded up to the nearest whole share) for the period commencing on the Award Date and ending on the date immediately preceding the date of the distribution. In lieu of the foregoing distribution in shares, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may direct that such distribution be made to the Participant in one or more cash payments equal to: (x) The product of (A) the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock on the date immediately preceding the date of the distribution and (B) the number of units of Common Stock subject to this Award Agreement not previously vested or forfeited pursuant to Sections 3 or 4 above (or such pro-rated amount as set forth in Section 5(b) or 5(d), if applicable), plus (y) Dividend Equivalents on such units of Common Stock for the period commencing on the Award Date and ending on the date immediately preceding the date of the distribution.

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8 Such distribution under this Section 5, whether in the form of shares of Common Stock or, if directed by the Committee, in cash, shall satisfy the rights of the Participant and the obligations of the Company under this Award Agreement in full. (f) Timing of Distribution. (i) No Assumption or Substitution. If the Participant is entitled to a benefit pursuant to Section 5(b), distributions shall be made in accordance with Section 5(e) on the Change in Control Payment Date. (ii) Covered Termination. If the Participant is entitled to a benefit pursuant to Section 5(c) on account of a Covered Termination, distributions shall be made in accordance with Section 5(e) not later than the 70th day after the Participant's Termination Date except as otherwise provided in Section 7. (iii) Sale of a Subsidiary. If the Participant is entitled to a benefit pursuant to Section 5(d), distributions shall be made in accordance with Section 5(e) not later than the 70th day after the date the Sale of a Subsidiary is consummated. 6. Payment of RSU Award Under Section 3. Upon the vesting of the Participant's right to receive a number of the shares of Common Stock pursuant to Section 3 under this Award Agreement, such shares of Common Stock will be distributed not later than the 70th day after the applicable Vesting Date. Moreover, upon the date of distribution of shares of Common Stock, the Participant shall also be entitled to receive Dividend Equivalents for the period commencing on the Award Date and ending on the date such vested shares of Common Stock are distributed to the Participant (in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A, to the extent applicable). 7. Delay of Distribution to Certain Participants. With respect to any benefits payable hereunder upon the Participant's Separation from Service (other than a Separation from Service due to the Participant's death), if as of the Participant's Termination Date, the Participant is a "specified employee" (within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)), then such benefits shall not be distributed until the date that is the earlier of (a) the second business day following the end of the six-month period commencing on the Participant's Termination Date or (b) the Participant's date of death, if death occurs during such six-month period. 8. Confidentiality. The Participant agrees that the terms of this Award Agreement are confidential and that any disclosure to anyone for any purpose whatsoever (save and except disclosure to financial institutions as part of a financial statement, financial, tax and legal advisors, or as required by law) by the Participant or his or her agents, representatives, heirs, children, spouse, employees or spokespersons shall be a breach of this Award Agreement and the Company may elect to revoke the grant made hereunder, seek damages, plus interest and reasonable attorneys' fees, and take any other lawful actions to enforce this Award Agreement. 9. Participant Obligations. (a) Confidentiality. The Participant acknowledges that in the course of his or her employment with the Company, the Company agrees to provide to the Participant

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9 Confidential Information regarding the Company and the Company's business and has previously provided the Participant other such Confidential Information. In return for this and other consideration, provided under this Award Agreement, the Participant agrees that he or she will not, while employed by the Company and thereafter, disclose or make available to any other person or entity, or use for his own personal gain, any Confidential Information, except for such disclosures as required in the performance of his or her duties hereunder or as may otherwise be required by law or legal process (in which case the Participant shall notify the Company of such legal or judicial proceeding by a non- governmental party as soon as practicable following his receipt of notice of such a proceeding, and permit the Company to seek to protect its interests and information). Nothing in this Award Agreement, however, limits or precludes Participant from making a good faith voluntary report, charge, complaint, or claim to or providing truthful testimony and documents as required by law or under oath pursuant to a subpoena, court order, or request by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal, state, or local government agency or commission ("Government Agencies"). Participant further understands that this Award Agreement does not limit Participant's ability to communicate with any Government Agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information to the Government Agency, without notice to the Company. For purposes of this Award Agreement, "Confidential Information" shall mean any and all information, data and knowledge that has been created, discovered, developed or otherwise become known to the Company or any of its affiliates or ventures or in which property rights have been assigned or otherwise conveyed to the Company or any of its affiliates or ventures, which information, data or knowledge has commercial value in the business in which the Company is engaged, except such information, data or knowledge as is or becomes known to the public without violation of the terms of this Award Agreement. By way of illustration, but not limitation, Confidential Information includes business trade secrets, secrets concerning the Company's plans and strategies, nonpublic information concerning material market opportunities, technical trade secrets, processes, formulas, know-how, improvements, discoveries, developments, designs, inventions, techniques, marketing plans, manuals, records of research, reports, memoranda, computer software, strategies, forecasts, new products, unpublished financial information, projections, licenses, prices, costs, and employee, customer and supplier lists or parts thereof. The Participant acknowledges notice that under the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA), no individual may be held criminally or civilly liable under federal or state trade secret law for a trade secret disclosure that complies with 18 U.S.C. §1833(b) such as a disclosure (i) made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney and made solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (ii) made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other adjudicatory proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Also, under the DTSA, an individual pursuing a legal claim for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of the law may disclose a trade secret to his/her attorney and use it in information in the court or adjudicatory proceeding if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret except to an order of the court or adjudicator.

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10 (b) Return of Property. The Participant agrees that at the time of his or her Separation from Service, he or she will deliver to the Company (and will not keep in his or her possession, recreate or deliver to anyone else) all Confidential Information as well as all other devices, records, data, notes, reports, proposals, lists, correspondence, specifications, drawings, blueprints, sketches, materials, equipment, customer or client lists or information, or any other documents or property (including all reproductions of the aforementioned items) belonging to the Company or any of its affiliates or ventures, regardless of whether such items were prepared by the Participant. (c) Non-Solicitation and Non-Competition. (i) Non-Solicitation. For consideration provided under this Award Agreement, including, but not limited to the Company's agreement to provide the Participant with Confidential Information (as defined in Section 9(a)) regarding the Company and the Company's business, the Participant agrees that, while employed by the Company and for one year following his or her Separation from Service, he or she shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, directly or indirectly, (i) hire or induce, entice or solicit (or attempt to induce, entice or solicit) any employee of the Company or any of its affiliates or ventures to leave the employment of the Company or any of its affiliates or ventures or (ii) solicit or attempt to solicit the business of any customer or acquisition prospect of the Company or any of its affiliates or ventures with whom the Participant had any actual contact while employed at the Company. (ii) Non-Competition. For consideration provided under this Award Agreement, including, but not limited to the Company's agreement to provide the Participant with Confidential Information regarding the Company and the Company's business, the Participant agrees that while employed by the Company and for one year following a Separation from Service he or she will not, without the prior written consent of the Company, acting alone or in conjunction with others, either directly or indirectly, engage in any business that is in competition with the Company or accept employment with or render services to such a business as an officer, agent, employee, independent contractor or consultant, or otherwise engage in activities that are in competition with the Company. (iii) Restricted Area. The restrictions contained in this Section 9(c) are limited to a 50-mile radius around any geographical area in which the Company engages (or has definite plans to engage) in operations or the marketing of its products or services at the time of the Participant's Separation from Service. (iv) Minnesota Participants. If the Participant primarily resides and works for the Company in Minnesota when last employed with the Company or any of its affiliates, the post-employment non-competition covenant set forth in Section 9(c)(ii) above shall not apply to the Participant. (d) Restrictions Reasonable. The Participant acknowledges that the restrictive covenants under this Section 9, for which the Participant received valuable consideration from the Company as provided in this Award Agreement, including, but not limited to the

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11 Company's agreement to provide the Participant with Confidential Information regarding the Company and the Company's business are ancillary to otherwise enforceable provisions of this Award Agreement that the consideration provided by the Company gives rise to the Company's interest in restraining the Participant from competing and that the restrictive covenants are designed to enforce the Participant's consideration or return promises under this Award Agreement. Additionally, the Participant acknowledges that these restrictive covenants contain limitations as to time, geographical area, and scope of activity to be restrained that are reasonable and do not impose a greater restraint than is necessary to protect the goodwill or other legitimate business interests of the Company, including, but not limited to, the Company's need to protect its Confidential Information. (e) Violations. If the Participant violates any provision of this Section 9, the Participant shall not be entitled to receive any amounts that would otherwise be payable to the Participant with respect to this RSU Award, and such amounts shall be forfeited. If the Participant violates any provision of this Section 9 after amounts under this RSU Award have been paid or if the Company learns of the violation after amounts under this RSU Award have been paid, the Participant shall repay to the Company the Common Shares (or the equivalent value thereof determined as of the date of the Company's demand) or the cash received, as the case may be, within thirty (30) days of receiving a demand from the Company for the repayment of the award. Further, the Company shall be entitled to an award of attorneys' fees incurred with securing any relief hereunder and/or pursuant to a breach or threatened breach of this Section 9. 10. Notices. For purposes of this Award Agreement, notices to the Company shall be deemed to have been duly given upon receipt of written notice by the Corporate Secretary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc., 1111 Louisiana, Houston, Texas 77002, or to such other address as the Company may furnish to the Participant. Notices to the Participant shall be deemed effectively delivered or given upon personal, electronic, or postal delivery of written notice to the Participant, the place of Employment of the Participant, the address on record for the Participant at the human resources department of the Company, or such other address as the Participant hereafter designates by written notice to the Company. 11. Shareholder Rights. The Participant shall have no rights of a shareholder with respect to the units of Common Stock subject to this Award Agreement, unless and until the Participant is registered as the holder of such shares of Common Stock. 12. Successors and Assigns. This Award Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Participant, the Company and their respective permitted successors and assigns except as expressly prohibited herein and in the Plan. Notwithstanding anything herein or in the Plan to the contrary, the units of Common Stock are transferable by the Participant to Immediate Family Members, Immediate Family Member trusts, and Immediate Family Member partnerships pursuant to Section 13 of the Plan. 13. No Employment Guaranteed. Nothing in this Award Agreement shall give the Participant any rights to (or impose any obligations for) continued Employment by the

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12 Company or any Subsidiary, or any successor thereto, nor shall it give such entities any rights (or impose any obligations) with respect to continued performance of duties by the Participant. 14. Waiver. Failure of either party to demand strict compliance with any of the terms or conditions hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of such term or condition, nor shall any waiver by either party of any right hereunder at any one time or more times be deemed a waiver of such right at any other time or times. No term or condition hereof shall be deemed to have been waived except by written instrument. 15. Compliance with Section 409A. It is the intent of the Company and the Participant that the provisions of the Plan and this Award Agreement comply with Section 409A and will be interpreted and administered consistent therewith. Accordingly, (a) no adjustment to the RSU Award pursuant to Section 14 of the Plan and (b) no substitutions of the benefits under this Award Agreement, in each case, shall be made in a manner that results in noncompliance with the requirements of Section 409A, to the extent applicable. 16. Modification of Award Agreement. Any modification of this Award Agreement is subject to Section 15 hereof and shall be binding only if evidenced in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the Company. 17. Severability. If any provision of this Award Agreement is, becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of the Award Agreement shall not be affected thereby.

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## Exhibit 21.1

**Exhibit 21.1**

**SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.**

The following subsidiaries are deemed "significant subsidiaries" pursuant to Item 601(b) (21) of Regulation S-K:

Utility Holding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC, a Texas limited liability company and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp., a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

CenterPoint Energy Investment Management, Inc., a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Vectren Affiliated Utilities, Inc. an Indiana corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Vectren LLC, an Indiana limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren Affiliated Utilities, Inc..

Vectren Utility Holdings LLC, an Indiana limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren LLC

Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company, an Indiana corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren Utility Holdings LLC (doing business as Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana, Inc.)

Indiana Gas Company, Inc., an Indiana corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.

Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.

(1) Pursuant to Item 601(b) (21) of Regulation S-K, registrant has omitted the names of subsidiaries, which considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary, would not constitute a "significant subsidiary" (as defined under Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X) as of December 31, 2025.

## Exhibit 21.2

**Exhibit 21.2**

**SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.**

The following subsidiaries are deemed "significant subsidiaries" pursuant to Item 601(b) (21) of Regulation S-K:

Indiana Gas Company, Inc., an Indiana corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.

Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.

(1) Pursuant to Item 601(b) (21) of Regulation S-K, registrant has omitted the names of subsidiaries, which considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary, would not constitute a "significant subsidiary" (as defined under Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X) as of December 31, 2025.

## Exhibit 23.1

**CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-272025, 333-289261, and 333-238844 on Form S-3; Registration Statement Nos. 333-286674, 333-264489, 333-238800, 333-203201, 333-179310, 333-173660, 333-149757, 333-101202, 333-115976, 333-159586, and 333-105773 on Form S-8; Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement Nos. 333-32413-99, 333-49333-99, 333-38188-99, 333-60260-99, and 333-98271-99 on Form S-8; Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to Registration Statement No. 333-11329-99 on Form S-8; and Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement No. 333-159586 of our reports dated February 19, 2026, relating to the consolidated financial statements of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") and the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2025.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Houston, Texas

February 19, 2026

## Exhibit 23.1

**CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-272025-02 on Form S-3 of our report dated February 19, 2026, relating to the consolidated financial statements of CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and subsidiaries appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC for the year ended December 31, 2025.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Houston, Texas

February 19, 2026

## Exhibit 23.1

**CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-272025-01 on Form S-3 of our report dated February 19, 2026, relating to the consolidated financial statements of CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. and subsidiaries appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. for the year ended December 31, 2025.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Houston, Texas

February 19, 2026

## Exhibit 31.1

Exhibit 31.1.1

**CERTIFICATIONS**

I, Jason P. Wells, certify that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; February 19, 2026

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ JASON P. WELLS |
| Jason P. Wells |
| President and Chief Executive Officer |

---

## Exhibit 31.1

Exhibit 31.1.2

**CERTIFICATIONS**

I, Jesus Soto, Jr., certify that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 19, 2026

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ JESUS SOTO, JR. |
| Jesus Soto, Jr. |
| President and Chief Executive Officer |

---

## Exhibit 31.1

Exhibit 31.1.3

**CERTIFICATIONS**

I, Jesus Soto, Jr., certify that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 19, 2026

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ JESUS SOTO, JR. |
| Jesus Soto, Jr. |
| President and Chief Executive Officer |

---

## Exhibit 31.2

Exhibit 31.2.1

**CERTIFICATIONS**

I, Christopher A. Foster, certify that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; February 19, 2026

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ CHRISTOPHER A. FOSTER |
| Christopher A. Foster |
| Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |

---

## Exhibit 31.2

Exhibit 31.2.2

**CERTIFICATIONS**

I, Christopher A. Foster, certify that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 19, 2026

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ CHRISTOPHER A. FOSTER |
| Christopher A. Foster |
| Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |

---

## Exhibit 31.2

Exhibit 31.2.3

**CERTIFICATIONS**

I, Christopher A. Foster, certify that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 19, 2026

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ CHRISTOPHER A. FOSTER |
| Christopher A. Foster |
| Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |

---

## Exhibit 32.1

Exhibit 32.1.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (the "Report"), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, Jason P. Wells, Chief Executive Officer, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge, that:

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ JASON P. WELLS |
| Jason P. Wells |
| President and Chief Executive Officer |
| February 19, 2026 |

---

## Exhibit 32.1

Exhibit 32.1.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (the "Report"), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, Jesus Soto, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge, that:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ JESUS SOTO, JR. |
| Jesus Soto, Jr. |
| President and Chief Executive Officer |
| February 19, 2026 |

---

## Exhibit 32.1

Exhibit 32.1.3

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (the "Report"), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, Jesus Soto, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge, that:

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ JESUS SOTO, JR. |
| Jesus Soto, Jr. |
| President and Chief Executive Officer |
| February 19, 2026 |

---

## Exhibit 32.2

Exhibit 32.2.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (the "Report"), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, Christopher A. Foster, Chief Financial Officer, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge, that:

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ CHRISTOPHER A. FOSTER |
| Christopher A. Foster |
| Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
| February 19, 2026 |

---

## Exhibit 32.2

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exhibit 32.2.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (the "Report"), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, Christopher A. Foster, Chief Financial Officer, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge, that:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ CHRISTOPHER A. FOSTER |
| Christopher A. Foster |
| Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
| February 19, 2026 |

---

## Exhibit 32.2

Exhibit 32.2.3

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (the "Report"), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, Christopher A. Foster, Chief Financial Officer, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge, that:

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ CHRISTOPHER A. FOSTER |
| Christopher A. Foster |
| Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
| February 19, 2026 |

---

## Exhibit 97.1

![](cnp_ex9712025cnparexecut001.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 Executive Officer Recovery Policy (As amended and restated July 17, 2025) 1. Purpose. The purpose of this Policy is to describe the circumstances under which Executive Officers will be required to repay or return Erroneously Awarded Compensation to the Company Group. This Policy shall not supersede any other recoupment or similar policy of the Company Group, and any such other policy shall remain in full force and effect until otherwise terminated or superseded; however, to the extent any policy or procedure of the Company Group conflicts with this Policy, this Policy shall prevail. 2. Administration. This Policy shall be administered by the Committee. Any determinations made by the Committee shall be final and binding on all affected individuals. 3. Definitions. For purposes of this Policy, the following capitalized terms shall have the meanings set forth below. (a) "Accounting Restatement" shall mean an accounting restatement due to the material noncompliance of the Company with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, including any required accounting restatement to correct an error in previously issued financial statements that (i) is material to the previously issued financial statements (a "Big R" restatement) or (ii) is not material to previously issued financial statements but would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period (a "little r" restatement). For purposes of this policy, an Accounting Restatement shall not be deemed to occur in the event of a revision of the Company's financial statements due to an out-of-period adjustment (i.e., when the error is immaterial to the previously issued financial statements and the correction of the error is also immaterial to the current period) or a retrospective (i) application of a change in accounting principles; (ii) revision to reportable segment information due to a change in the structure of the Company's internal organization; (iii) reclassification due to a discontinued operation; (iv) application of a change in reporting entity, such as from a reorganization of entities under common control; or (v) revision for stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock dividends, or other changes in capital structure. (b) "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company. (c) "Committee" shall mean the Human Capital and Compensation Committee of the Board or any successor committee thereof. (d) "Company" shall mean CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (e) "Company Group" shall mean the Company, together with each of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. (f) "Covered Incentive Compensation" shall mean all Incentive-based Compensation Received by an Executive Officer (i) on or after the Effective Date, (ii) after beginning service as an Executive Officer, (iii) who served as an Executive Officer at any time during the performance period for that Incentive-based Compensation (whether or not such Executive Officer is serving at the time the Erroneously Awarded Compensation is required to be repaid to the Company Group), (iv) while the Company has a class of securities listed on a national securities exchange or a national securities association, and (v) during the applicable Recovery Period.

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![](cnp_ex9712025cnparexecut002.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2 (g) "Effective Date" shall mean October 2, 2023. (h) "Erroneously Awarded Compensation" shall mean, with respect to each Executive Officer in connection with an Accounting Restatement, the amount of Covered Incentive Compensation that exceeds the amount of Incentive-based Compensation that otherwise would have been Received had it been determined based on the restated amounts, computed without regard to any taxes paid. (i) "Executive Officer" shall mean each individual who is or was designated as an "officer" of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in accordance with 17 C.F.R. 240.16a-1(f). For the avoidance of doubt, the identification of an executive officer for purposes of this Policy shall include at a minimum executive officers identified pursuant to 17 C.F.R. 229.401(b). (j) "Financial Reporting Measures" shall mean measures that are determined and presented in accordance with the accounting principles used in preparing the Company's financial statements, and all other measures that are derived wholly or in part from such measures. Stock price and total shareholder return shall be considered Financial Reporting Measures for purposes of this Policy. For the avoidance of doubt, a Financial Reporting Measure need not be presented in the Company's financial statements or included in a filing with the SEC. (k) "Incentive-based Compensation" shall mean any compensation that is granted, earned, or vested based wholly or in part upon the attainment of a Financial Reporting Measure. (l) "NYSE" shall mean the New York Stock Exchange. (m) "Policy" shall mean this Executive Officer Recovery Policy, as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time. (n) "Received" shall mean, with respect to any Incentive-based Compensation, actual or deemed receipt, and Incentive-based Compensation shall be deemed Received in the Company's fiscal period during which the Financial Reporting Measure specified in the Incentive-based Compensation award is attained, even if payment or grant of the Incentive-based Compensation occurs after the end of that period. (o) "Recovery Period" shall mean, with respect to any Accounting Restatement, the three completed fiscal years of the Company immediately preceding the Restatement Date and any transition period (that results from a change in the Company's fiscal year) of less than nine months within or immediately following those three completed fiscal years. (p) "Restatement Date" shall mean the earlier to occur of (i) the date the Board, a committee of the Board, or the officers of the Company authorized to take such action if Board action is not required, concludes, or reasonably should have concluded, that the Company is required to prepare an Accounting Restatement, or (ii) the date a court, regulator ,or other legally authorized body directs the Company to prepare an Accounting Restatement. (q) "SEC" shall mean the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 4. Repayment of Erroneously Awarded Compensation. (a) In the event a Restatement Date occurs, the Committee shall reasonably promptly

------

![](cnp_ex9712025cnparexecut003.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3 recover any Erroneously Awarded Compensation. The Committee shall promptly determine the amount of any Erroneously Awarded Compensation for each Executive Officer in connection with the Accounting Restatement and provide each Executive Officer with a written notice containing the amount of Erroneously Awarded Compensation and a demand for repayment or return, as applicable. For Incentive-based Compensation based on stock price or total shareholder return, where the amount of Erroneously Awarded Compensation is not subject to mathematical recalculation directly from the information in the applicable Accounting Restatement, the amount shall be determined by the Committee based on a reasonable estimate of the effect of the Accounting Restatement on the stock price or total shareholder return upon which the Incentive-based Compensation was Received, and the Company shall maintain documentation of such determination of that reasonable estimate and provide such documentation to NYSE. (b) The Committee shall have discretion to determine the appropriate means of recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation based on all applicable facts and circumstances and taking into account the time value of money and additional costs incident to recovery efforts. To the extent that the Committee determines that any method of recovery other than prompt repayment by the Executive Officer in a lump sum in cash or property is appropriate, a repayment agreement with the Executive Officer, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Committee, shall be required to implement such method. In no event may the Company Group accept an amount that is less than the amount of Erroneously Awarded Compensation in satisfaction of an Executive Officer's obligations hereunder, except that to the extent the Executive Officer has already reimbursed the Company Group for any Erroneously Awarded Compensation Received under any duplicative recovery obligations, the Committee may determine that it is appropriate for such amount already reimbursed by the Executive Officer to be credited to the required recovery under this Policy. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Committee has no obligation under this Policy to seek recoupment of amounts that are not Incentive-based Compensation. Such exempt compensation includes, without limitation, base salary; time-vesting awards; compensation awarded on the basis of the achievement of metrics that are not Financial Reporting Measures; and compensation awarded solely at the discretion of the Committee, the Board, or a group composed entirely of independent members of the Board, provided, in each case, that such amounts are in no way contingent on, and were not in any way granted on the basis of, the achievement of any Financial Reporting Measure. (c) To the extent that an Executive Officer fails to repay all Erroneously Awarded Compensation to the Company Group when due, the Company shall, or shall cause one or more other members of the Company Group to, take all actions reasonable and appropriate, as determined by the Committee, to recover such Erroneously Awarded Compensation from the applicable Executive Officer. The applicable Executive Officer shall be required to reimburse the Company Group for any and all expenses reasonably incurred (including legal fees) by the Company Group in recovering such Erroneously Awarded Compensation in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence. (d) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to take the actions contemplated by Sections 4(a), (b), and (c) above if either of the following conditions are met and the Committee determines that recovery would be impracticable: (i) The direct expenses paid to a third party to assist in enforcing the Policy would exceed the amount to be recovered, but only if the Company has first made a reasonable attempt to recover the applicable Erroneously Awarded Compensation, documented such attempts, and provided such documentation to the NYSE; or (ii) Recovery would likely cause an otherwise tax-qualified retirement plan, under which benefits are broadly available to employees of the Company Group, to fail to

------

![](cnp_ex9712025cnparexecut004.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 meet the requirements of Section 401(a)(13) or Section 411(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder. 5. Reporting and Disclosure. The Company shall file all disclosures with respect to this Policy in accordance with the requirements of federal securities laws, including disclosures required by the applicable SEC filings and rules. 6. Indemnification Prohibition. No member of the Company Group shall be permitted to indemnify any Executive Officer against (a) the loss of any Erroneously Awarded Compensation that is repaid, returned or recovered pursuant to the terms of this Policy or (b) any claims relating to the Company Group's enforcement of its rights under this Policy. Further, no member of the Company Group shall enter into any agreement that exempts any Incentive-based Compensation from the application of this Policy or that waives the Company Group's right to recovery of any Erroneously Awarded Compensation, and this Policy shall supersede any such agreement (whether entered into before, on, or after the Effective Date). 7. Interpretation. The Committee is authorized to interpret and construe this Policy and to make all determinations necessary, appropriate, or advisable for the administration of this Policy. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Policy is intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 10D of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any applicable rules or standards adopted by the SEC or NYSE and will be interpreted and administered consistent therewith. 8. Effective Date. This Policy was first effective as of the Effective Date. 9. Amendment; Termination. The Committee may amend this Policy from time to time in its discretion and shall amend this Policy as it deems necessary, including as and when it determines that it is legally required by any federal securities laws, SEC rule or the rules of any national securities exchange or national securities association on which the Company's securities are listed. The Committee may terminate this Policy at any time. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 9 to the contrary, no amendment or termination of this Policy shall be effective if such amendment or termination would (after taking into account any actions taken by the Company contemporaneously with such amendment or termination) cause the Company to violate any federal securities laws, SEC rule or the rules of any national securities exchange or national securities association on which the Company's securities are listed. 10. Other Recoupment Rights; No Additional Payments. The Committee intends that this Policy will be applied to the fullest extent of the law. The Committee may require that any employment agreement, equity award agreement, or any other agreement entered into on or after the Effective Date shall, as a condition to the grant of any benefit thereunder, require an Executive Officer to agree to abide by the terms of this Policy. Any right of recoupment under this Policy is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other remedies or rights of recoupment that may be available to the Company Group under applicable law, regulation or rule or pursuant to the terms of any similar policy of the Company Group or any provision in any employment agreement, equity award agreement, or other agreement or arrangement. 11. Successors. This Policy shall be binding and enforceable against all Executive Officers and their beneficiaries, heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives.

------

## Exhibit 97.2

![](cehe_ex9722025ceheexecut001.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC Executive Officer Recovery Policy (As amended and restated July 17, 2025) 1. Purpose. The purpose of this Policy is to describe the circumstances under which Executive Officers will be required to repay or return Erroneously Awarded Compensation to the Company Group. This Policy shall not supersede any other recoupment or similar policy of the Company Group, and any such other policy shall remain in full force and effect until otherwise terminated or superseded; however, to the extent any policy or procedure of the Company Group conflicts with this Policy, this Policy shall prevail. 2. Administration. This Policy shall be administered by the Committee. Any determinations made by the Committee shall be final and binding on all affected individuals. 3. Definitions. For purposes of this Policy, the following capitalized terms shall have the meanings set forth below. (a) "Accounting Restatement" shall mean an accounting restatement due to the material noncompliance of the Company with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, including any required accounting restatement to correct an error in previously issued financial statements that (i) is material to the previously issued financial statements (a "Big R" restatement) or (ii) is not material to previously issued financial statements but would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period (a "little r" restatement). For purposes of this policy, an Accounting Restatement shall not be deemed to occur in the event of a revision of the Company's financial statements due to an out-of-period adjustment (i.e., when the error is immaterial to the previously issued financial statements and the correction of the error is also immaterial to the current period) or a retrospective (i) application of a change in accounting principles; (ii) revision to reportable segment information due to a change in the structure of the Company's internal organization; (iii) reclassification due to a discontinued operation; (iv) application of a change in reporting entity, such as from a reorganization of entities under common control; or (v) revision for stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock dividends, or other changes in capital structure. (b) "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (c) "Committee" shall mean the Human Capital and Compensation Committee of the Board or any successor committee thereof. (d) "Company" shall mean CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC. (e) "Company Group" shall mean the Company, together with CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and each of their direct and indirect subsidiaries. (f) "Covered Incentive Compensation" shall mean all Incentive-based Compensation Received by an Executive Officer (i) on or after the Effective Date, (ii) after beginning service as an Executive Officer, (iii) who served as an Executive Officer at any time during the performance period for that Incentive-based Compensation (whether or not such Executive Officer is serving at the time the Erroneously Awarded Compensation is required to be repaid to the Company Group), (iv) while the Company has a class of securities listed on a national securities exchange or a national securities association, and (v) during the applicable Recovery Period.

------

![](cehe_ex9722025ceheexecut002.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2 (g) "Effective Date" shall mean October 2, 2023. (h) "Erroneously Awarded Compensation" shall mean, with respect to each Executive Officer in connection with an Accounting Restatement, the amount of Covered Incentive Compensation that exceeds the amount of Incentive-based Compensation that otherwise would have been Received had it been determined based on the restated amounts, computed without regard to any taxes paid. (i) "Executive Officer" shall mean each individual who is or was designated as an "officer" of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in accordance with 17 C.F.R. 240.16a-1(f). For the avoidance of doubt, the identification of an executive officer for purposes of this Policy shall include at a minimum executive officers identified pursuant to 17 C.F.R. 229.401(b). (j) "Financial Reporting Measures" shall mean measures that are determined and presented in accordance with the accounting principles used in preparing the Company's financial statements, and all other measures that are derived wholly or in part from such measures. Stock price and total shareholder return shall be considered Financial Reporting Measures for purposes of this Policy. For the avoidance of doubt, a Financial Reporting Measure need not be presented in the Company's financial statements or included in a filing with the SEC. (k) "Incentive-based Compensation" shall mean any compensation that is granted, earned, or vested based wholly or in part upon the attainment of a Financial Reporting Measure. (l) "Manager" shall mean the manager, the managing board, or other governing body of the Company. (m) "NYSE" shall mean the New York Stock Exchange. (n) "Policy" shall mean this Executive Officer Recovery Policy, as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time. (o) "Received" shall mean, with respect to any Incentive-based Compensation, actual or deemed receipt, and Incentive-based Compensation shall be deemed Received in the Company's fiscal period during which the Financial Reporting Measure specified in the Incentive-based Compensation award is attained, even if payment or grant of the Incentive-based Compensation occurs after the end of that period. (p) "Recovery Period" shall mean, with respect to any Accounting Restatement, the three completed fiscal years of the Company immediately preceding the Restatement Date and any transition period (that results from a change in the Company's fiscal year) of less than nine months within or immediately following those three completed fiscal years. (q) "Restatement Date" shall mean the earlier to occur of (i) the date the Manager, or the officers of the Company authorized to take such action if Manager action is not required, concludes, or reasonably should have concluded, that the Company is required to prepare an Accounting Restatement, or (ii) the date a court, regulator, or other legally authorized body directs the Company to prepare an Accounting Restatement. (r) "SEC" shall mean the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

------

![](cehe_ex9722025ceheexecut003.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3 4. Repayment of Erroneously Awarded Compensation. (a) In the event a Restatement Date occurs, the Committee shall reasonably promptly recover any Erroneously Awarded Compensation. The Committee shall promptly determine the amount of any Erroneously Awarded Compensation for each Executive Officer in connection with the Accounting Restatement and provide each Executive Officer with a written notice containing the amount of Erroneously Awarded Compensation and a demand for repayment or return, as applicable. For Incentive-based Compensation based on stock price or total shareholder return, where the amount of Erroneously Awarded Compensation is not subject to mathematical recalculation directly from the information in the applicable Accounting Restatement, the amount shall be determined by the Committee based on a reasonable estimate of the effect of the Accounting Restatement on the stock price or total shareholder return upon which the Incentive-based Compensation was Received, and the Company shall maintain documentation of such determination of that reasonable estimate and provide such documentation to NYSE. (b) The Committee shall have discretion to determine the appropriate means of recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation based on all applicable facts and circumstances and taking into account the time value of money and additional costs incident to recovery efforts. To the extent that the Committee determines that any method of recovery other than prompt repayment by the Executive Officer in a lump sum in cash or property is appropriate, a repayment agreement with the Executive Officer, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Committee, shall be required to implement such method. In no event may the Company Group accept an amount that is less than the amount of Erroneously Awarded Compensation in satisfaction of an Executive Officer's obligations hereunder, except that to the extent the Executive Officer has already reimbursed the Company Group for any Erroneously Awarded Compensation Received under any duplicative recovery obligations, the Committee may determine that it is appropriate for such amount already reimbursed by the Executive Officer to be credited to the required recovery under this Policy. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Committee has no obligation under this Policy to seek recoupment of amounts that are not Incentive-based Compensation. Such exempt compensation includes, without limitation, base salary; time-vesting awards; compensation awarded on the basis of the achievement of metrics that are not Financial Reporting Measures; and compensation awarded solely at the discretion of the Committee, the Board, or a group composed entirely of independent members of the Board, provided, in each case, that such amounts are in no way contingent on, and were not in any way granted on the basis of, the achievement of any Financial Reporting Measure. (c) To the extent that an Executive Officer fails to repay all Erroneously Awarded Compensation to the Company Group when due, the Company shall, or shall cause one or more other members of the Company Group to, take all actions reasonable and appropriate, as determined by the Committee, to recover such Erroneously Awarded Compensation from the applicable Executive Officer. The applicable Executive Officer shall be required to reimburse the Company Group for any and all expenses reasonably incurred (including legal fees) by the Company Group in recovering such Erroneously Awarded Compensation in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence. (d) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to take the actions contemplated by Sections 4(a), (b), and (c) above if either of the following conditions are met and the Committee determines that recovery would be impracticable: (i) The direct expenses paid to a third party to assist in enforcing the Policy would exceed the amount to be recovered, but only if the Company has first made a reasonable attempt to recover the applicable Erroneously Awarded Compensation, documented such attempts, and provided such documentation to the NYSE; or

------

![](cehe_ex9722025ceheexecut004.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 (ii) Recovery would likely cause an otherwise tax-qualified retirement plan, under which benefits are broadly available to employees of the Company Group, to fail to meet the requirements of Section 401(a)(13) or Section 411(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder. 5. Reporting and Disclosure. The Company shall file all disclosures with respect to this Policy in accordance with the requirements of federal securities laws, including disclosures required by the applicable SEC filings and rules. 6. Indemnification Prohibition. No member of the Company Group shall be permitted to indemnify any Executive Officer against (a) the loss of any Erroneously Awarded Compensation that is repaid, returned or recovered pursuant to the terms of this Policy or (b) any claims relating to the Company Group's enforcement of its rights under this Policy. Further, no member of the Company Group shall enter into any agreement that exempts any Incentive-based Compensation from the application of this Policy or that waives the Company Group's right to recovery of any Erroneously Awarded Compensation, and this Policy shall supersede any such agreement (whether entered into before, on, or after the Effective Date). 7. Interpretation. The Committee is authorized to interpret and construe this Policy and to make all determinations necessary, appropriate, or advisable for the administration of this Policy. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Policy is intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 10D of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any applicable rules or standards adopted by the SEC or NYSE and will be interpreted and administered consistent therewith. 8. Effective Date. This Policy was first effective as of the Effective Date. 9. Amendment; Termination. The Committee may amend this Policy from time to time in its discretion and shall amend this Policy as it deems necessary, including as and when it determines that it is legally required by any federal securities laws, SEC rule or the rules of any national securities exchange or national securities association on which the Company's securities are listed. The Committee may terminate this Policy at any time. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 9 to the contrary, no amendment or termination of this Policy shall be effective if such amendment or termination would (after taking into account any actions taken by the Company contemporaneously with such amendment or termination) cause the Company to violate any federal securities laws, SEC rule or the rules of any national securities exchange or national securities association on which the Company's securities are listed. 10. Other Recoupment Rights; No Additional Payments. The Committee intends that this Policy will be applied to the fullest extent of the law. The Committee may require that any employment agreement, equity award agreement, or any other agreement entered into on or after the Effective Date shall, as a condition to the grant of any benefit thereunder, require an Executive Officer to agree to abide by the terms of this Policy. Any right of recoupment under this Policy is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other remedies or rights of recoupment that may be available to the Company Group under applicable law, regulation or rule or pursuant to the terms of any similar policy of the Company Group or any provision in any employment agreement, equity award agreement, or other agreement or arrangement. 11. Successors. This Policy shall be binding and enforceable against all Executive Officers and their beneficiaries, heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives.

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## Exhibit 97.3

![](cerc_ex9732025cercexecut001.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. Executive Officer Recovery Policy (As amended and restated July 17, 2025) 1. Purpose. The purpose of this Policy is to describe the circumstances under which Executive Officers will be required to repay or return Erroneously Awarded Compensation to the Company Group. This Policy shall not supersede any other recoupment or similar policy of the Company Group, and any such other policy shall remain in full force and effect until otherwise terminated or superseded; however, to the extent any policy or procedure of the Company Group conflicts with this Policy, this Policy shall prevail. 2. Administration. This Policy shall be administered by the Committee. Any determinations made by the Committee shall be final and binding on all affected individuals. 3. Definitions. For purposes of this Policy, the following capitalized terms shall have the meanings set forth below. (a) "Accounting Restatement" shall mean an accounting restatement due to the material noncompliance of the Company with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, including any required accounting restatement to correct an error in previously issued financial statements that (i) is material to the previously issued financial statements (a "Big R" restatement) or (ii) is not material to previously issued financial statements but would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period (a "little r" restatement). For purposes of this policy, an Accounting Restatement shall not be deemed to occur in the event of a revision of the Company's financial statements due to an out-of-period adjustment (i.e., when the error is immaterial to the previously issued financial statements and the correction of the error is also immaterial to the current period) or a retrospective (i) application of a change in accounting principles; (ii) revision to reportable segment information due to a change in the structure of the Company's internal organization; (iii) reclassification due to a discontinued operation; (iv) application of a change in reporting entity, such as from a reorganization of entities under common control; or (v) revision for stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock dividends, or other changes in capital structure. (b) "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company. (c) "CNP Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (d) "Committee" shall mean the Human Capital and Compensation Committee of the CNP Board or any successor committee thereof. (e) "Company" shall mean CenterPoint Energy Resources Corporation. (f) "Company Group" shall mean the Company, together with CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and each of their direct and indirect subsidiaries. (g) "Covered Incentive Compensation" shall mean all Incentive-based Compensation Received by an Executive Officer (i) on or after the Effective Date, (ii) after beginning service as an Executive Officer, (iii) who served as an Executive Officer at any time during the performance period for that Incentive-based Compensation (whether or not such Executive Officer is serving at the time the Erroneously Awarded Compensation is required to be repaid to the Company Group), (iv) while

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2 the Company has a class of securities listed on a national securities exchange or a national securities association, and (v) during the applicable Recovery Period. (h) "Effective Date" shall mean October 2, 2023. (i) "Erroneously Awarded Compensation" shall mean, with respect to each Executive Officer in connection with an Accounting Restatement, the amount of Covered Incentive Compensation that exceeds the amount of Incentive-based Compensation that otherwise would have been Received had it been determined based on the restated amounts, computed without regard to any taxes paid. (j) "Executive Officer" shall mean each individual who is or was designated as an "officer" of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in accordance with 17 C.F.R. 240.16a-1(f). For the avoidance of doubt, the identification of an executive officer for purposes of this Policy shall include at a minimum executive officers identified pursuant to 17 C.F.R. 229.401(b). (k) "Financial Reporting Measures" shall mean measures that are determined and presented in accordance with the accounting principles used in preparing the Company's financial statements, and all other measures that are derived wholly or in part from such measures. Stock price and total shareholder return shall be considered Financial Reporting Measures for purposes of this Policy. For the avoidance of doubt, a Financial Reporting Measure need not be presented in the Company's financial statements or included in a filing with the SEC. (l) "Incentive-based Compensation" shall mean any compensation that is granted, earned, or vested based wholly or in part upon the attainment of a Financial Reporting Measure. (m) "NYSE" shall mean the New York Stock Exchange. (n) "Policy" shall mean this Executive Officer Recovery Policy, as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time. (o) "Received" shall mean, with respect to any Incentive-based Compensation, actual or deemed receipt, and Incentive-based Compensation shall be deemed Received in the Company's fiscal period during which the Financial Reporting Measure specified in the Incentive-based Compensation award is attained, even if payment or grant of the Incentive-based Compensation occurs after the end of that period. (p) "Recovery Period" shall mean, with respect to any Accounting Restatement, the three completed fiscal years of the Company immediately preceding the Restatement Date and any transition period (that results from a change in the Company's fiscal year) of less than nine months within or immediately following those three completed fiscal years. (q) "Restatement Date" shall mean the earlier to occur of (i) the date the Board, a committee of the Board, or the officers of the Company authorized to take such action if Board action is not required, concludes, or reasonably should have concluded, that the Company is required to prepare an Accounting Restatement, or (ii) the date a court, regulator, or other legally authorized body directs the Company to prepare an Accounting Restatement. (r) "SEC" shall mean the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3 4. Repayment of Erroneously Awarded Compensation. (a) In the event a Restatement Date occurs, the Committee shall reasonably promptly recover any Erroneously Awarded Compensation. The Committee shall promptly determine the amount of any Erroneously Awarded Compensation for each Executive Officer in connection with the Accounting Restatement and provide each Executive Officer with a written notice containing the amount of Erroneously Awarded Compensation and a demand for repayment or return, as applicable. For Incentive-based Compensation based on stock price or total shareholder return, where the amount of Erroneously Awarded Compensation is not subject to mathematical recalculation directly from the information in the applicable Accounting Restatement, the amount shall be determined by the Committee based on a reasonable estimate of the effect of the Accounting Restatement on the stock price or total shareholder return upon which the Incentive-based Compensation was Received, and the Company shall maintain documentation of such determination of that reasonable estimate and provide such documentation to NYSE. (b) The Committee shall have discretion to determine the appropriate means of recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation based on all applicable facts and circumstances and taking into account the time value of money and additional costs incident to recovery efforts. To the extent that the Committee determines that any method of recovery other than prompt repayment by the Executive Officer in a lump sum in cash or property is appropriate, a repayment agreement with the Executive Officer, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Committee, shall be required to implement such method. In no event may the Company Group accept an amount that is less than the amount of Erroneously Awarded Compensation in satisfaction of an Executive Officer's obligations hereunder, except that to the extent the Executive Officer has already reimbursed the Company Group for any Erroneously Awarded Compensation Received under any duplicative recovery obligations, the Committee may determine that it is appropriate for such amount already reimbursed by the Executive Officer to be credited to the required recovery under this Policy. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Committee has no obligation under this Policy to seek recoupment of amounts that are not Incentive-based Compensation. Such exempt compensation includes, without limitation, base salary; time-vesting awards; compensation awarded on the basis of the achievement of metrics that are not Financial Reporting Measures; and compensation awarded solely at the discretion of the Committee, the CNP Board, or a group composed entirely of independent members of the CNP Board, provided, in each case, that such amounts are in no way contingent on, and were not in any way granted on the basis of, the achievement of any Financial Reporting Measure. (c) To the extent that an Executive Officer fails to repay all Erroneously Awarded Compensation to the Company Group when due, the Company shall, or shall cause one or more other members of the Company Group to, take all actions reasonable and appropriate, as determined by the Committee, to recover such Erroneously Awarded Compensation from the applicable Executive Officer. The applicable Executive Officer shall be required to reimburse the Company Group for any and all expenses reasonably incurred (including legal fees) by the Company Group in recovering such Erroneously Awarded Compensation in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence. (d) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to take the actions contemplated by Sections 4(a), (b), and (c) above if either of the following conditions are met and the Committee determines that recovery would be impracticable: (i) The direct expenses paid to a third party to assist in enforcing the Policy would exceed the amount to be recovered, but only if the Company has first made a reasonable attempt to recover the applicable Erroneously Awarded Compensation, documented such attempts, and provided such documentation to the NYSE; or

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 (ii) Recovery would likely cause an otherwise tax-qualified retirement plan, under which benefits are broadly available to employees of the Company Group, to fail to meet the requirements of Section 401(a)(13) or Section 411(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder. 5. Reporting and Disclosure. The Company shall file all disclosures with respect to this Policy in accordance with the requirements of federal securities laws, including disclosures required by the applicable SEC filings and rules. 6. Indemnification Prohibition. No member of the Company Group shall be permitted to indemnify any Executive Officer against (a) the loss of any Erroneously Awarded Compensation that is repaid, returned or recovered pursuant to the terms of this Policy or (b) any claims relating to the Company Group's enforcement of its rights under this Policy. Further, no member of the Company Group shall enter into any agreement that exempts any Incentive-based Compensation from the application of this Policy or that waives the Company Group's right to recovery of any Erroneously Awarded Compensation, and this Policy shall supersede any such agreement (whether entered into before, on, or after the Effective Date). 7. Interpretation. The Committee is authorized to interpret and construe this Policy and to make all determinations necessary, appropriate, or advisable for the administration of this Policy. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Policy is intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 10D of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any applicable rules or standards adopted by the SEC or NYSE and will be interpreted and administered consistent therewith. 8. Effective Date. This Policy was first effective as of the Effective Date. 9. Amendment; Termination. The Committee may amend this Policy from time to time in its discretion and shall amend this Policy as it deems necessary, including as and when it determines that it is legally required by any federal securities laws, SEC rule or the rules of any national securities exchange or national securities association on which the Company's securities are listed. The Committee may terminate this Policy at any time. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 9 to the contrary, no amendment or termination of this Policy shall be effective if such amendment or termination would (after taking into account any actions taken by the Company contemporaneously with such amendment or termination) cause the Company to violate any federal securities laws, SEC rule or the rules of any national securities exchange or national securities association on which the Company's securities are listed. 10. Other Recoupment Rights; No Additional Payments. The Committee intends that this Policy will be applied to the fullest extent of the law. The Committee may require that any employment agreement, equity award agreement, or any other agreement entered into on or after the Effective Date shall, as a condition to the grant of any benefit thereunder, require an Executive Officer to agree to abide by the terms of this Policy. Any right of recoupment under this Policy is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other remedies or rights of recoupment that may be available to the Company Group under applicable law, regulation or rule or pursuant to the terms of any similar policy of the Company Group or any provision in any employment agreement, equity award agreement, or other agreement or arrangement. 11. Successors. This Policy shall be binding and enforceable against all Executive Officers and their beneficiaries, heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives.

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