HOUSTON, Dec. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc.'s (NYSE: CNP) board of directors today declared dividends on shares of its common stock, Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock and Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock.

Common Stock Dividend

The company's board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.1600 per share on the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock. The dividend will also be payable to holders of shares of Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock which participate with the Common Stock on an as-converted basis. The dividend will be payable March 11, 2021 to holders of Common Stock and Series C Preferred Stock of record at the close of business on February 18, 2021.  This quarterly dividend represents a 6.7 percent increase from the previous quarterly dividend of $0.1500 and, if annualized, would equate to $0.64 per share.

Series A Preferred Stock Dividend

The company's board of directors declared a regular semiannual cash dividend of $30.6250 per share on the issued and outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock payable March 1, 2021 to holders of Series A Preferred Stock of record at the close of business on February 15, 2021.

Series B Preferred Stock Dividend

The company's board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $17.5000 per share on the issued and outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock payable March 1, 2021 to holders of Series B Preferred Stock of record at the close of business on February 15, 2021. This equates to $0.8750 per depositary share (NYSE: CNPPRB), each of which represents a 1/20^th interest in a share of the Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock.

As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of September 30, 2020, the company owned approximately $33 billion in assets and also owned 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events, such as annualized dividends per share, and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release.

For more information contact
Media:
Communications
Media.Relations@CenterPointEnergy.com
Investors:
David Mordy
Phone      713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, Dec. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP), today announced that Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") changed the company's rating outlook from Negative to Stable and affirmed the company's Baa2 senior unsecured rating and Prime–2 short–term rating for commercial paper.

"Moody's revision is an important vote of confidence in the credit-supportive actions we have taken as a company this year to improve our financial stability and strengthen our balance sheet," said Jason Wells, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CenterPoint Energy.  

Moody's attributed the change to corporate actions which stabilized credit metrics, improved liquidity, strengthened the balance sheet and lowered the company's business risk profile.

As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of September 30, 2020, the company owned approximately $33 billion in assets and also owned 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

For more information contact
Media:
Communications
Media.Relations@CenterPointEnergy.com
Investors:
David Mordy
Phone 713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) today announced that Kenneth E. Coleman has been named as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, effective Nov. 16. Coleman will lead the company's enterprise-wide information technology strategy, including the development, maintenance, use and security of CenterPoint Energy's computer systems, software and networks. He will report to Gregory Knight, Executive Vice President, Customer Transformation and Business Services.

"Kenny joins CenterPoint Energy's leadership team with a proven track record of building and leading world-class technology management and product development organizations, with a focus on origination of new projects and strategic planning for growth," said Knight. "Under Kenny's leadership, we will continue to leverage technology, data and analytics to support enterprise-wide business goals and drive innovative solutions for improving the customer experience and the company's business and workforce efficiency."

Coleman joins CenterPoint Energy following roles of increasing responsibility over more than 20 years at Southern Company and its subsidiaries, including serving as Senior Vice President and CIO where he led enterprise-wide IT. Most recently, Coleman served as President and CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) where he was responsible for developing collaborative efforts between the BBA and its community partners to lead economic growth for the seven-county Birmingham region.

Coleman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from the University of New Haven in New Haven, Conn., and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Alabama.

Coleman has served on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, Midtown Alliance (Atlanta) and WorkSource DeKalb. He is a faculty member for the Advanced Economic Development Leadership (AEDL) program and has served on customer advisory councils for Oracle, Verizon and the Edison Electric Institute (EEI). Coleman is also a member of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) and the Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF).

About CenterPoint Energy
As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of September 30, 2020, the company owned approximately $33 billion in assets and also owned 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

For more information contact
Media:
John Sousa
Phone  713.619.5143
Investors:
David Mordy
Phone  713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, Nov. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) today announced the release of its 2020 Corporate Responsibility Report, We Deliver Responsibility, which focuses on the company's environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments. The report discusses how CenterPoint Energy engages with stakeholders, approaches leadership and governance, builds strong communities, delivers reliable electricity and natural gas and invests in a clean energy future.

"CenterPoint Energy strives to honor our commitments to safely and reliably deliver essential energy needs to our communities in a sustainable manner," said Angila Retherford, Vice President, Environmental and Corporate Responsibility. "The first combined sustainability report and GRI Index published since the company merged with Vectren in 2019 explains how we deliver on responsibility through our commitment to leadership, sustainability, safety and inclusion."

The company is building on ESG commitments, as reflected by the following highlights:

• Environmental: Through CenterPoint Energy's new carbon policy, the company's goal is to reduce operational emissions by 70% by 2035 and emissions attributable to natural gas usage in heating appliances and equipment within the residential and commercial sectors by 20-30% by 2040. These reduction goals are based on 2005 emission levels.
• Social: The company responded immediately to COVID-19, implementing enhanced safety protocols and providing personal protective equipment for employees to guard the health of employees and customers when necessary to enter customers' residences or facilities. The essential services of electricity and natural gas continued for customers as demonstrated by an extremely dedicated workforce. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation contributed $1.5 million to nonprofit organizations, agencies and causes committed to supporting those disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
• Governance: CenterPoint Energy is focusing on sustainable, long-term actions that build on its diversity and inclusion vision and position. The company established a Diversity and Inclusion Council that provides governance and oversight on diversity and inclusion efforts and drives companywide communication. CenterPoint Energy is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion to support colleagues, customers, contractors, suppliers and community members, regardless of race, gender, color, sexual orientation, age, religion, or physical or mental disability, so they have an equal opportunity to thrive.

The report follows the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework and has been prepared in accordance with the GRI Standards: Core option. The associated 2019 GRI Index is available at www.CenterPointEnergy.com/Responsibility.

The company has also disclosed information using the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards and incorporated both the American Gas Association's (AGA) and Edison Electric Institute's (EEI) Version 2 ESG template into its annual sustainability reporting activities.

Forward Looking Statement

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events, such as carbon emissions reduction goals and diversity and inclusion initiatives, and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the impact of COVID-19; (2) financial market conditions; (3) general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions; (5) effects of competition; (6) weather variations; (7) changes in business plans; and (8) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About CenterPoint Energy

As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of June 30, 2020, the company owned approximately $32 billion in assets and also owned 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.

For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com. For additional updates, follow CenterPoint Energy on Facebook and Twitter.

For more information, contact
Media: Natalie Hedde, Phone  812.491.5105
Investors: David Mordy, Phone  713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, Oct. 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) will host a virtual Analyst Meeting on Monday, Dec. 7, from 9 to 11 a.m. CT / 10 a.m. to noon ET. The meeting will focus on a multi-year outlook for maximizing value for CenterPoint Energy's stakeholders through a combination of a utility-focused strategy and execution on the recommendations from the Business Review and Evaluation Committee of the Board of Directors.

The Analyst Meeting will feature presentations by CenterPoint Energy executives, including President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Lesar and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jason Wells.

A live webcast of the Analyst Meeting will be accessible on the Investor Relations section of CenterPoint Energy's website at https://Investors.CenterPointEnergy.com. The meeting will be archived and available for replay later in the day.

About CenterPoint Energy
As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of June 30, 2020, the company owned approximately $32 billion in assets and also owned 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, Oct. 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc.'s (NYSE: CNP) board of directors today declared dividends on shares of its common stock and Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock.

Common Stock Dividend

The company's board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.1500 per share on the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock. The dividend will also be payable to holders of shares of Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock which participate with the Common Stock on an as-converted basis. The dividend will be payable December 10, 2020 to holders of Common Stock and Series C Preferred Stock of record at the close of business on November 19, 2020.

Series B Preferred Stock Dividend

The company's board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $17.5000 per share on the issued and outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock payable December 1, 2020 to holders of Series B Preferred Stock of record at the close of business on November 15, 2020. As November 15, 2020 falls on a Sunday, the effective record date for the dividend will be the close of business on November 13, 2020. This equates to $0.8750 per depositary share (NYSE: CNPPRB), each of which represents a 1/20^th interest in a share of the Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock.

As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of June 30, 2020, the company owned approximately $32 billion in assets and also owned 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release.

For more information contact
Media:
Media Relations
Media.Relations@centerpointenergy.com  
Investors:
Dave Mordy
Phone 713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, Oct. 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. (CERC), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP), today announced the closing of its offering and sale of $500 million of 1.75% senior notes due 2030. The net proceeds from the offering will be used for general corporate purposes, including the payment of a portion of the redemption amount of CERC's outstanding 4.50% Senior Notes due 2021, Series A and B.

Barclays, Citigroup, J.P. Morgan and Mizuho Securities served as representatives and joint bookrunners. Additional joint book-running managers were TD Securities and US Bancorp. Siebert Williams Shank, a minority-and woman-owned business enterprise, served as co-manager. 

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

This news release includes forward-looking statements. Actual events and results may differ materially from those projected. The statements in this news release regarding the use of proceeds from the offering and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect actual results include (1) the impact of COVID-19, (2) financial market conditions, (3) general economic conditions (including with respect to the oil and gas industry), (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions, (5) effects of competition, (6) weather variations, (7) changes in business plans and (8) other factors discussed in CERC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, CERC's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020 and CERC's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  A written prospectus may be obtained by visiting EDGAR on the SEC Website at https://www.sec.gov/.

As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of June 30, 2020, the company owned approximately $32 billion in assets and also owned 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.

For more information contact
Media:
Media Relations
Media.Relations@centerpointenergy.com
Investors:
Dave Mordy
Phone      713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, Sept. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) today announced the appointment of Jason Wells as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective Sept. 28. Wells will oversee the company's Finance organization, including Accounting and Financial Planning, Treasury, Tax, Mergers and Acquisitions, Internal Audit, and Investor Relations. He will report to CenterPoint Energy's President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Lesar and serve on the company's Executive Committee.

"I am confident that Jason is the ideal person with the right skillset for this important CFO leadership role. He is a transformational business and finance leader with a proven track record of operating experience in the utility industry," said Lesar. "Jason will be instrumental in providing financial leadership to help drive CenterPoint Energy's utility-focused strategy, while maximizing value for all of our stakeholders. He will also help accelerate further momentum on key internally driven programs that we have already started, such as a focus on standardized processes, employee empowerment and an enhanced culture of continuous improvement to better serve our customers and investors."

Lesar added, "Jason brings to the CFO position extensive experience in shaping strategy and driving sustainable change. He also has outstanding relationships with utility industry investors and analysts, as well as with the financial community. These are many of the key building blocks that will enable Jason to hit the ground running on making a positive impact for our company. Together with Senior Advisor Tom Webb, I now have the opportunity to work with two highly respected leaders with extensive financial and industry experience to focus on those areas that have proven to be rewarded by shareholders and will enrich the communities in which we operate."

Wells joins CenterPoint Energy from PG&E Corporation where he held roles of increasing responsibility over the past 13 years. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer overseeing the financial activities of the nearly $60 billion enterprise. His accomplishments included leading customer rate affordability initiatives that are expected to deliver $1.6 billion in cumulative savings over a three-year period and implementing PG&E's strategies to support California's transition to a clean energy economy. Prior to his EVP and CFO role, Wells held leadership positions in Business Finance and Accounting with PG&E and its subsidiary, Pacific Gas and Electric Company. He began his career in 1999 with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Assurance and Business Advisory Services. 

"With a compelling utility-focused strategy, outstanding regulated assets and attractive opportunities to invest incremental capital across a diversified, premium service territory, I believe that CenterPoint Energy has all the essential components to deliver on its objective of creating sustainable value for all of our stakeholders," said Wells. "I look forward to collaborating with Dave and the leadership team to build on our momentum and, importantly, executing on the recommendations from the Business Review and Evaluation Committee of the Board of Directors to drive stakeholder value, maximize the company's value proposition and financial strength, and enhance stakeholder engagement."

Wells earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree in Accounting, both from the University of Florida. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Wells is active in the community and serves on the Board of the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. From 2013 to 2019, he served as a Board member and Treasurer of Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco.  

"I would like to thank Kristie Colvin for her leadership as interim CFO during an important time for CenterPoint Energy as we transformed our company to focus on our core utility businesses. Her deep knowledge of CenterPoint Energy and regulatory experience will continue to serve us very well. I look forward to Kristie's continued contributions as our Chief Accounting Officer and as a member of our Executive Committee," said Lesar. "I would also like to thank Tom for his efforts to bring an exceptional CFO like Jason on board. I know we are going to make an outstanding team."

About CenterPoint Energy
As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of June 30, 2020, the company owned approximately $32 billion in assets and also owned 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

Forward Looking Statement
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events, such as CenterPoint Energy's potential business strategies and initiatives, value creation, future financial performance, any recommendations and outcomes of the review process of the Business Review and Evaluation Committee of CenterPoint Energy's Board of Directors and other opportunities, and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the impact of COVID-19; (2) financial market conditions; (3) general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions; (5) effects of competition; (6) weather variations; (7) changes in business plans; and (8) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information contact
Media:
John Sousa
Phone   713.619.5143
Investors:
David Mordy
Phone   713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, Aug. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy (NYSE: CNP) today announced that Thomas Webb, a highly respected utility industry executive and chief financial officer with more than 40 years of experience, will serve as a Senior Advisor to the company, effective immediately. Webb will advise the Business Review and Evaluation Committee (BREC) of the Board of Directors on its work as it continues to look at all options available to drive stakeholder value, maximize the company's value proposition and financial strength, and enhance shareholder engagement. In this capacity, Webb will also work with BREC Chairman and company President and CEO Dave Lesar on the hiring of a CFO.

"Tom will be an astute and valuable advisor to the BREC as we progress our recommendations to the full Board on potential value-maximizing strategic actions related to CenterPoint Energy's businesses, assets and other ownership interests and prepare to communicate those actions at our Investor Day," said Lesar.

Lesar added, "Tom's reputation, track record, outstanding relationships with investors and analysts, and extensive experience as a CFO across multiple business sectors are second-to-none. I am confident that Tom's services will not only enable me to find the ideal person for this important CFO leadership role, but will also ensure that our CFO will already have in place the key building blocks from which to hit the ground running and make an immediate positive impact for our shareholders."

Webb said, "With a clear utility-focused strategy, strong regulated utility assets across diversified, premium jurisdictions, and a commitment to maximize value for all of our stakeholders, I believe that CenterPoint Energy is poised to unlock the power and potential within the company. I look forward to partnering with Dave and the BREC to identify ways to build continued confidence, trust and value in the company, as well as working closely with Dave to find a CFO with the right skillset for CenterPoint Energy."

Ranked as the #1 utility industry CFO among buy/sell side analysts five times by Institutional Investor, Webb has had a distinguished and highly successful career. He served as CMS Energy's and Consumers Energy's Executive Vice President and CFO from 2002 to 2017. In addition, Webb was responsible for CMS Enterprises, which encompasses all of CMS Energy's businesses outside of the Michigan utility.

Webb also formerly served as Executive Vice President and CFO for Kellogg Company, a $9 billion revenue, 26,000 employee consumer goods company. Webb led the $4.6 billion acquisition of Keebler, at the time the largest acquisition in the food sector.

Webb began his career at Ford Motor Company in 1977, holding finance and management positions of increasing responsibility over 22 years in the United States and in Europe. His leadership roles included Vice President and CFO of Visteon, an $18 billion automotive component manufacturer; Controller of one of the company's five Vehicle Centers, a $32 billion business; Controller of the Electronics Division, which had production in nine countries; and various other senior financial positions.

Webb currently serves as the Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee of Southwest Michigan First, an organization of privately funded economic development advisors who act as catalysts for economic success in Southwest Michigan. Webb also serves on the Board of Otter Tail Corporation, a company with interests in diversified operations that include an electric utility and manufacturing businesses. He received his bachelor's degree in finance and an MBA, both from George Mason University in Virginia. In 1998, the university named him Alumnus of the Year.

Kristie Colvin has served as interim Executive Vice President and CFO since April 2020. The company previously announced that it will seek an external candidate for the CFO position, after which time Colvin will continue to serve as Chief Accounting Officer with CenterPoint Energy.

About CenterPoint Energy
As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of June 30, 2020, the company owned approximately $32 billion in assets and also owned 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

Forward Looking Statement
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events, such as CenterPoint Energy's potential business strategies and initiatives, any recommendations and outcomes of the review process of the Business Review and Evaluation Committee of CenterPoint Energy's Board of Directors, including value creation, opportunities and expectations related to other ownership interests, and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the impact of COVID-19; (2) financial market conditions; (3) general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions; (5) effects of competition; (6) weather variations; (7) changes in business plans; and (8) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information contact
Media:
John Sousa
Phone        713.619.5143
Investors:
Dave Mordy
Phone        713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

EVANSVILLE, Ind., Aug. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy has announced that its Indiana-based electric and gas business, Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Co. (SIGECO) is opening a new request for proposals (RFP) to seek a combination of wind, solar and solar + storage resources to meet the future needs of its 145,000 electric customers in southwestern Indiana.

"While we continue negotiating for active projects identified in our first ever All-Source RFP, conducted as part of our most recent Integrated Resource Plan, additional projects are required to fill the remaining need," said Steve Greenley, senior vice president, Generation Development. "We are excited to enter the next phase of our electric generation resource transition."

This RFP will assist in identifying replacement generation capacity beginning in 2023. SIGECO recently completed its 2019/2020 Integrated Resource Plan in which the company announced plans to retire 730 MW of coal-fired generation by 2024 and largely fill its ongoing energy need with renewable generation. Specifically, the company is seeking 700 to 1,000 MW of solar and solar + storage as well as 300 MW of wind resources.

SIGECO has retained 1898 & Co., a division of Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc., to act as its agent in managing the RFP process. All RFP inquiries and communications are to be made via email at VectrenRFP@1898andco.com. The RFP documents, schedule and other RFP information can be found at Vectren2020RFP.rfpmanager.biz/.

About CenterPoint Energy
As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of June 30, 2020, the company owned approximately $32 billion in assets and also owned 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

Forward Looking Statement
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events, such as the projects to be included in the RFP as identified in the IRP, including expected capacity and timing, plans to retire coal-fired generation to transition to more renewable generation resources, and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the impact of COVID-19; (2) financial market conditions; (3) general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions; (5) effects of competition; (6) weather variations; (7) changes in business plans; and (8) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information contact
Natalie Hedde
Natalie.hedde@centerpointenergy.com
812.491.5105

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) today announced that former Anadarko Petroleum Chief Executive Officer Al Walker and President Robert G. Gwin have been named to the Board of Directors (Board) of the general partner of Enable Midstream Partners, LP, Enable GP, LLC, as representatives of CenterPoint Energy. CenterPoint Energy owns 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets.

CenterPoint Energy and OGE Energy Corporation each have 50% of the management interests in Enable GP. Enable GP is governed by a board of directors made up of two representatives designated by each of CenterPoint Energy and OGE Energy, along with Enable Midstream Partners' Chief Executive Officer and three independent Board members CenterPoint Energy and OGE Energy mutually agreed to appoint.

"Bob and Al, on behalf of CenterPoint Energy, will bring to the Enable Board accomplished industry executives with a deep knowledge of and successful track record with master limited partnerships," said Dave Lesar, President and Chief Executive Officer of CenterPoint Energy. "They will be outstanding additions to the Enable Board and will support our continued focus on driving value from CenterPoint Energy's investment in Enable."

Lesar added, "Also, as Chairman of the Business Review and Evaluation Committee of CenterPoint Energy's Board, I believe Bob's and Al's appointments to the Enable Board are consistent with the Committee's goal to take actions that will strengthen our long-term performance. While the Committee is expected to conclude its work and make recommendations to the CenterPoint Energy Board by October 2020, this demonstrates we will not hesitate to capitalize on opportunities we believe will optimize value for our business investments."

Gwin will serve as Chairman of the Board of Enable and Walker will serve on its Compensation Committee.

About Al Walker

Walker served as President, Chief Executive Officer and director of Anadarko from 2012 to 2019, assuming the additional title of Chairman of the Board in 2013. He joined the company in 2005 as Senior Vice President-Finance and CFO, later becoming COO in 2009. He served as Chairman of the Board of Western Gas Partners, LP at the time of its Initial Public Offering in 2008, later serving as a director when Gwin became Chairman. Western, a large U.S. oil and natural gas midstream company formed by Anadarko, had a market capitalization of approximately $16 billion at the time of Anadarko's approximate $58 billion enterprise value merger with Occidental Petroleum Corporation in August 2019.  

Walker was appointed to the Board of Directors of ConocoPhillips in March 2020, and serves on the boards of BOK Financial Corporation and Health Care Services Corporation. He is Vice-Chairman and a member of the Executive Committee of the Business Council, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and a Senior Advisor to Crane Capital.

About Robert G. Gwin

Gwin was President of Anadarko until August 2019 when the company was purchased by Occidental Petroleum. He previously was Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Anadarko from 2009 to 2018. Gwin joined Anadarko in 2006 and was a member of Anadarko's Executive Committee since 2008. From 2007 through 2010, he also served as President and CEO of Western Gas Partners.

Gwin was appointed to the Board of Directors of Pembina Pipeline Corporation in May 2020. He served as the Chairman of the Board of both Western Gas Partners and its general partner Western Gas Equity Partners, LP from 2010 to 2019, and as a director of both entities beginning in 2007. Gwin was also the Chairman of LyondellBasell Industries, N.V. from 2013 to 2018, where he served as a director beginning in 2011. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern California and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, and also earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation from the CFA Institute.

About CenterPoint Energy

As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of March 31, 2020, the company owns 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

Forward Looking Statement

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events, such as CenterPoint Energy's potential business strategies and initiatives, including any recommendations of the Business Review and Evaluation Committee of CenterPoint Energy's Board, the anticipated timing thereof and any resulting courses of action taken, expectations with respect to the ownership interest in Enable, and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the impact of COVID-19; (2) financial market conditions; (3) general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions; (5) effects of competition; (6) weather variations; (7) changes in business plans; and (8) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information contact
Alicia Dixon
Alicia.Dixon@centerpointenergy.com
713-825-9107

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, Aug. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Consistent with CenterPoint Energy's focus on unlocking the power and potential within its premium regulated utilities, the company is combining Indiana Electric and Houston Electric into one Electric organization, effective immediately. The alignment of CenterPoint Energy's generation, transmission, distribution and engineering areas into one organization will allow for greater ability to share best practices for service, reliability and technology across its footprint, as well as deliver on opportunities for long-term efficiencies in service to customers.

"Our Electric business is one of the cornerstones of CenterPoint Energy's new utility-focused strategy and supports our continued commitment to optimize and drive return on our regulated assets," said Dave Lesar, President and Chief Executive Officer of CenterPoint Energy. "Our new integration strategies underscore the importance of the Electric business to our broader CenterPoint Energy portfolio."

Lesar added, "By combining our two complementary electric utility businesses, we will achieve a major landmark for our electric companies. The decision to establish one Electric organization comes at a critical time, as we are preparing to implement our Integrated Resource Plan preferred portfolio for our future Indiana generation business. The plan outlines how we will generate electricity for our customers for the next 20 years and focuses on reliability and risk mitigation, while saving electric customers an estimated $320 million and lowering carbon emissions by 75% over 2005 levels."

In addition, in order to support the ongoing advancement of its corporate identity, value to customers, and clarity to shareholders, CenterPoint Energy will rebrand Vectren as CenterPoint Energy. The rebrand will include new signs and markings, but the same employees will be seen representing the organization, working in neighborhoods to restore and maintain service, and continuing to volunteer in the communities where they have for many years.

"Our one-brand approach is expected to drive long-term benefits with regards to our systems and customer-facing touch points," said Lesar. "It also shows our customers, communities, stakeholders, partners and suppliers that we are one company, united by our shared commitment to deliver energy to the millions we serve across our service territory."

About CenterPoint Energy
As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of March 31, 2020, the company owns approximately $33 billion in assets and also owns 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

Forward Looking Statement
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events, such as CenterPoint Energy's strategic focus on its regulated utilities and the related optimization of its regulated assets, the combination of the Houston Electric and Indiana Electric businesses, including opportunities with respect to operational efficiencies, reliability, technology and service, the expected benefits derived from the preferred generation portfolio in the Integrated Resources Plan, including reliability and risk mitigation, estimated customer savings and carbon emission reduction targets, the anticipated benefits derived from the rebranding initiative, and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the impact of COVID-19; (2) financial market conditions; (3) general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions; (5) effects of competition; (6) weather variations; (7) changes in business plans; and (8) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information contact
Natalie Hedde
Natalie.hedde@centerpointenergy.com  
812.491.5105

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, July 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc.'s (NYSE: CNP) board of directors today declared dividends on shares of its common stock, Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock and Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock.

Common Stock Dividend

The company's board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.1500 per share on the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock. The dividend will also be payable to holders of shares of Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock which participate with the Common Stock on an as-converted basis. The dividend will be payable September 10, 2020 to holders of Common Stock and Series C Preferred Stock of record at the close of business on August 20, 2020.

Series A Preferred Stock Dividend

The company's board of directors declared a regular semiannual cash dividend of $30.6250 per share on the issued and outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock payable September 1, 2020 to holders of Series A Preferred Stock of record at the close of business on August 14, 2020.

Series B Preferred Stock Dividend

The company's board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $17.5000 per share on the issued and outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock payable September 1, 2020 to holders of Series B Preferred Stock of record at the close of business on August 15, 2020. As August 15, 2020 falls on a Saturday, the effective record date for the dividend will be the close of business on August 14, 2020. This equates to $0.8750 per depositary share (NYSE: CNPPRB), each of which represents a 1/20^th interest in a share of the Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock.

As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of March 31, 2020, the company owns approximately $33 billion in assets and also owns 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release.

For more information contact
Media:
Alicia Dixon
Phone 713.207.5885
Investors:
Dave Mordy
Phone 713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, June 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed David J. Lesar as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2020.  He succeeds John W. Somerhalder II, who has served as interim president and chief executive officer of CenterPoint Energy since February 2020 and a director since 2016. 

Milton Carroll, Executive Chairman, said, "The Board determined in February that it was the right time for CenterPoint Energy to name an experienced executive leader with a fresh strategic perspective, proven achievement in shareholder and stakeholder value creation and a track record of delivering results to lead the company through its next phase of growth.  After a thorough search process that included external candidates, we are delighted to have found that leader in Dave Lesar and welcome him as our next president and CEO. 

"Over the past three decades, Dave has built an enviable track record of vision, strategy implementation, execution capability, financial sophistication and operational experience. During his 17 years leading Halliburton, he was the architect of how that company ultimately led the industry in growth, margins and returns. He will work with the Board and the entire CenterPoint Energy team to evaluate, refine and advance our strategy, and then position us to execute on our robust capital plans and seize attractive growth opportunities.  He will help us ensure that CenterPoint Energy achieves our potential and promise, building on the company's impressive service territories and strong regulatory position," Mr. Carroll concluded.

Mr. Lesar said, "We are committed to unlocking the power and potential within this company and its premium regulated utilities and to maintaining our earnings growth rate.  We have a dedicated team with the right skills to position us to create attractive value, building on a base of strong utility assets.  Our utility-focused strategy, combined with our newly strengthened financial position, enables us to focus on how best to optimize and drive return on our assets.  We need to ensure that the financial community, our employees and other key stakeholders can clearly see and understand our strategy.  With respect to current – and potential – investors, my number one near-term goal is to achieve greater shareholder confidence by setting, communicating and working tirelessly to achieve our financial and business goals. Throughout my career, I have worked to maximize sustainable shareholder value and build strong relationships with the constituencies that are central to the success and sustainability of the companies I have led. I am honored by the trust the Board has placed in me, and excited to immediately start in this new role, working alongside our dedicated and talented team members who make a tremendous difference for customers every day.

"CenterPoint Energy is a backbone, supporting economic vitality in the state of Texas and the other states it serves.  We will continue to strive to meet the energy delivery needs of our customers and communities safely and reliably. We will also build on our proven ability to innovate and utilize the vast creativity of our people to drive value for all of the stakeholders who rely, trust and invest in us," continued Mr. Lesar.

Mr. Lesar stated, "I am dedicated to accelerating the company's environmental commitments and leadership in emissions reduction, infrastructure modernization and delivering sustainable and cleaner energy.  CenterPoint Energy is also steadfast about building on our long history of investing in the communities in which we operate.  I am devoted  to having our employees— including our leadership—and our suppliers reflect those diverse communities, and inclusion is an important part of my vision for how CenterPoint Energy will lead."

Mr. Carroll added, "On behalf of the Board of Directors and CenterPoint Energy's employees, I would also like to thank John for serving as interim CEO during a time of significant change and transition for our company and the country and for his prior service as a director.  We have all valued and benefited from John's substantial contributions, leadership and support and wish him well."

CenterPoint Energy also announced that Earl M. Cummings has been appointed to serve as a new independent member of the company's Board of Directors.  He fills the vacancy created by Mr. Somerhalder's departure from the Board as of June 30, 2020.  With Mr. Cummings' appointment, the Board comprises directors with independence, relevant skills, expertise and a valuable diversity reflective of the company and customers, constituencies and communities served. 

Mr. Carroll said, "We are delighted to have Earl join the Board as a new outside director.  His experience, leadership and commitment to creating value for all our stakeholders will further strengthen our Board's oversight and contributions to CenterPoint Energy."

New director Earl Cummings added, "I am pleased to be joining the distinguished board of such an important and outstanding company.  I look forward to working with CenterPoint Energy, our new CEO and my fellow directors to capitalize on the opportunities ahead and uphold our commitments to service, safety, inclusion and performance."

Mr. Lesar, who recently joined the CenterPoint Energy Board, has chaired the Board's Business Review and Evaluation Committee since its formation in early May 2020.  CenterPoint Energy intends to host an investor day by early 2021 to update stakeholders on the company's vision and plans.

About David J. Lesar 
Dave Lesar joined CenterPoint Energy as a director in May 2020.  He served as interim CEO of Health Care Service Corporation, the largest privately-held health insurer in the U.S., from July 2019 through June 1, 2020, having joined the company's board of directors in 2018.  He was the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Halliburton Company from 2000 to 2017 and Executive Chairman of the Board from June 2017 until December 2018.  Mr. Lesar joined Halliburton in 1993 and served in a variety of other roles, including executive vice president of Finance and Administration for Halliburton Energy Services, a Halliburton business unit, CFO of Halliburton from 1995 through May 1997, President and Chief Operating Officer from May 1997 through August 2000. He has also served on the board of directors of several companies, most recently Agrium, Inc. as well as Lyondell Chemical Co., Southern Co., Cordant Technologies, and Mirant. A Certified Public Accountant, Mr. Lesar was previously a partner at Arthur Andersen. He received both his B.S. and MBA from the University of Wisconsin.

About Earl Cummings
Since 2012, Mr. Cummings has served as Managing Partner of MCM Houston Properties, LLC, a real estate fund that invests in single family residential properties in Houston, Texas.  In his role as Managing Partner, he is responsible for overall capital raising, investment, acquisition, and business strategies of the fund and its assets. Mr. Cummings also serves as Chief Executive Officer of The BTS Team, which began as an information technology and staffing firm providing solutions and services across various regions and evolved into a company that also invested financial resources in various industries to create value for shareholders and other stakeholders, and he previously served as its Chief Information Officer and Chairman of its board.  He also served as Chief Executive Officer of BestAssets, Inc., a private company providing real estate portfolio management and related services. Active across communities and in non-profit board service, Mr. Cummings has served on the boards of the University of Houston Board of Visitors, C-STEM Robotics (where he was founding Chairman of the Executive Board for C-STEM), Yellowstone Academy and has also served on the advisory boards for KIPP Academy and Texas Southern University School of Business.  Mr. Cummings holds a BBA of Management Information Systems from the University of Houston and an MBA from Pepperdine University.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of March 31, 2020, the company owns approximately $33 billion in assets and also owns 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will," "can" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.  Any statements in this news release regarding the company's prospects or potential or the intentions of management or the board, capital investment plans, future financial and business goals, earnings growth rates or financial condition, growth or business opportunities, stakeholder (including shareholder) value creation, environmental and sustainability commitments including emissions reductions, social goals including relating to diversity, activities of the board's business review and evaluation committee, future investor days hosted by the Company,  inclusion, strategic initiatives, future financial performance and results of operations, , and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the impact of COVID-19; (2) financial market conditions; (3) general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions; (5) effects of competition; (6) weather variations; (7) changes in business plans; and (8) other factors discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information contact
Media:
Alicia Dixon
Phone      713.207.5885
Investors:
Dave Mordy
Phone      713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

EVANSVILLE, Ind., June 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, during its final Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) public stakeholder meeting, Vectren, a CenterPoint Energy company, (Vectren) presented a preferred portfolio to diversify its electric generation fleet in the coming years. The plan ensures reliability and mitigates risk, while saving electric customers an estimated $320 million over the 20-year planning period. Nearly two-thirds of the energy included in the new plan will be generated from renewable resources, reducing reliance on carbon fuels and lowering carbon emissions by nearly 75% from 2005 levels. The plan replaces some older coal generation units with significant renewables, including a large percentage of universal solar. Vectren's fourth and final public stakeholder meeting was conducted as part of the year-long integrated resource planning process, which is overseen by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC).

"The IRP considers a broad range of potential conditions and variables to determine a preferred fuel mix which allows Vectren to meet future electric energy demand in a safe and reliable manner," said Lynnae Wilson, chief business officer, Indiana Electric. "Over the next several months, we will finalize our generation plan, taking into consideration cost, COVID-19 impacts, efficiency and reliability while recognizing the need for flexibility given ever-advancing technology in a rapidly evolving industry."

Vectren's IRP, submitted every three years to the IURC, demonstrates how the company plans to generate and deliver safe, reliable and reasonably priced electricity to its southwestern Indiana customers through a forecast spanning 20 years. This plan, which considers public stakeholder input, the outcomes of an All-Source RFP, and a wide variety of economic variables is the second consecutive IRP to demonstrate the utility should move toward resource diversity. Modeling conducted within the analysis points Vectren to:

• Retiring or exiting agreements involving 730 megawatts (MW) of coal generation, thereby avoiding investments estimated at $700 million to comply with strict environmental regulations
• Adding 700-1,000 megawatts (MW) of solar (some connected to battery energy storage) and 300 MW of wind renewable resources, which would allow all Vectren electric customers access to solar and wind-powered energy at significantly lower costs; and reduce carbon emissions by nearly 75%
• Adding 460 MW of natural gas combustion turbines; approximately half the natural gas capacity of the combined cycle gas turbine proposed in the previous IRP and designed to back up the renewable resources that supply the majority of customers' energy needs

"Using what we have learned from this IRP process, we will be pursuing a much larger percentage of renewable energy, as well as continuing to offer energy efficiency programs to ensure customers have options to use energy wisely," continued Wilson. "Customer and stakeholder engagement were focal points throughout this very important process, and we appreciate the thoughtful insights offered which helped us realize this plan. We are committed to developing a transition plan that is responsive to our customers and the direction received from the IURC in its 2019 Order which considers the various risks and economic impacts of each step. We are confident this plan will assist in keeping customer rates reasonable while leaving room for flexibility as the future of electric generation continues to evolve."

Last April, the IURC granted partial approval of Vectren's electric generation transition plan which included the retrofitting of Vectren's largest, most-efficient 270 MW coal-fired unit. The request to begin construction of a 50 MW universal solar array was also approved by the IURC last year, and its construction is underway.

The completed IRP will be submitted to the IURC on June 30. A director's report, detailing the IURC's comments, will likely be issued by the end of the year. Information about Vectren's IRP process can be found at www.vectren.com/irp.

"The proposed future portfolio further ensures southwestern Indiana remains in attainment for air quality and promotes additional economic development in our region where we live and work," stated Wilson. "Avoiding future coal maintenance investments will ensure local generation has a responsible renewable-to-carbon balance while ensuring the reliability our customers expect. We are incredibly sensitive to customer impact, and with stakeholder input, we feel this planning process has produced a cost-effective plan that moves us toward a future built on cleaner generation."

Vectren delivers electricity to approximately 145,000 customers in all or portions of Gibson, Dubois, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.

Forward Looking Statement
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events, such as future regulatory filings, actions and decisions, including the timing and impact of such actions and decisions, the timing of completion of the projects identified in the IRP, the benefits derived from the preferred generation portfolio in the IRP, including resource diversification, estimated customer savings and carbon emission reduction targets, and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the impact of COVID-19; (2) financial market conditions; (3) general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions; (5) effects of competition; (6) weather variations; (7) changes in business plans; and (8) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include energy-related services, energy efficiency and sustainability solutions, and owning and operating intrastate natural gas pipeline systems that help fund utility operations. As of March 31, 2020, the company owns approximately $33 billion in assets and also owns 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

About the Integrated Resource Planning (IRP)
The practice of conducting an IRP is a three-year process. Vectren's IRP takes into consideration the public's interest and is formed with respect to federal and state energy and environmental policy, both of which are rapidly changing for utilities. The utility conducted four public meetings between the months of April 2019 and June 2020, taking input from many key stakeholders. Learn more at www.vectren.com/irp.

Media contact: Natalie Hedde, (812) 491-5105 or natalie.hedde@centerpointenergy.com
Investor contact: Dave Mordy, (713) 207-6500 or david.mordy@centerpointenergy.com

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SOURCE Vectren, a CenterPoint Energy Company

HOUSTON, June 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC (Houston Electric), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP), today closed a registered public offering of $300 million principal amount of 2.90% general mortgage bonds due July 1, 2050. The net proceeds from the offering will be used for general limited liability company purposes, including capital expenditures and the repayment of a portion of Houston Electric's borrowings under the CenterPoint Energy money pool.

BofA Securities, MUFG, RBC Capital Markets, and Wells Fargo Securities served as joint book-running managers. Mischler Financial Group, Inc., a Service-Disabled Veteran broker dealer, served as co-manager.

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

This news release includes forward-looking statements. Actual events and results may differ materially from those projected.  The statements in this news release regarding the use of proceeds from the offering and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect actual results include (1) the impact of COVID-19, (2) financial market conditions, (3) general economic conditions (including with respect to the oil and gas industry), (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions, (5) effects of competition, (6) weather variations, (7) changes in business plans and (8) other factors discussed in Houston Electric's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, Houston Electric's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and Houston Electric's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A written prospectus may be obtained by visiting EDGAR on the SEC Website at https://www.sec.gov/. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include energy-related services, energy efficiency and sustainability solutions, and owning and operating intrastate natural gas pipeline systems that help fund utility operations. As of March 31, 2020, the company also owns 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.

For more information contact
Media:
Alicia Dixon
Phone   713.207.5885
Investors:
Dave Mordy
Phone   713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, June 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) and Energy Capital Partners, LLC, (ECP), a private equity and credit investor specializing in energy infrastructure projects, today announced that they have closed on the sale of CenterPoint Energy Services, Inc. (CES) to an affiliate of ECP. Net proceeds of the sale will be used to repay a portion of outstanding CenterPoint Energy debt.

In connection with the closing of the transaction, CES changed its name to Symmetry Energy Solutions, LLC, (Symmetry Energy) and entered into a structured long-term Preferred Supply agreement through which Shell Energy North America (US), L.P. will provide gas supply and collateral support, as well as receive equity warrants.

"We are pleased to have completed this transaction as we continue to focus on the long-term performance of our core electric and natural gas utility businesses," said John W. Somerhalder II, interim president and chief executive officer of CenterPoint Energy. "We appreciate CenterPoint Energy Services' contribution to our business and feel confident that ECP is the right company to continue growing CES, now Symmetry Energy Solutions, and position it for long-term success."

Incoming Symmetry Energy CEO Alan Dunlea said, "I am excited to lead a talented team in the next phase of Symmetry Energy's growth, with a commitment to continue delivering innovative solutions and superior service to our broad base of customers."

Andrew Gilbert, a partner at ECP said, "ECP looks forward to partnering with Symmetry Energy and its employees to extend the company's long track record of reliable gas supply and customer service."

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include energy-related services, energy efficiency and sustainability solutions, and owning and operating intrastate natural gas pipeline systems that help fund utility operations. As of March 31, 2020, the company owns approximately $33 billion in assets and also owns 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

Energy Capital Partners, founded in 2005, is a North American-focused investor across both equity and credit infrastructure assets, including natural gas power generation, renewables and storage solutions, midstream, environmental infrastructure and opportunistic energy situations emphasizing the transition to clean energy while avoiding the more volatile energy subsectors like exploration and production. The ECP team, comprised of 61 people with 600 years of collective industry experience, deep expertise and extensive relationships, has consummated more than 60 transactions over the last 10 years, representing more than $45 billion of enterprise value.

Forward-Looking Statement

The statements in this press release contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements made in good faith by us and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to benefits of the sale, use of proceeds, future strategies and future growth. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the impact of COVID-19; (2) financial market conditions; (3) general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions; (5) effects of competition; (6) weather variations; (7) changes in business plans; and (8) other factors discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, May 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) today announced a comprehensive approach to further strengthen and fortify its financial position, enhance shareholder value and advance the interests of all stakeholders.  Today's announcement has three key elements: a $1.4 billion equity investment; the appointment of two new highly credentialed and qualified directors to the Board; and the creation of a new Business Review and Evaluation Committee of the Board.

Equity Investment

With the significant equity investment announced today, CenterPoint Energy has strengthened its financial position and provided additional certainty to stakeholders. When combined with measures previously announced on April 1, 2020, the equity investment is expected to position the Company to: 

• De-lever its balance sheet, further supporting its investment-grade credit metrics and strengthening its overall credit profile;
• Eliminate the previously anticipated need to raise additional equity through 2022;
• Execute on its robust five-year, $13 billion capital investment program focused entirely on its regulated utility businesses, delivering an expected overall ~7.5% rate base CAGR;
• Provide a 50%-55% utility earnings payout ratio on a go-forward basis (off of a current annualized base dividend of $0.60 per share);
• Achieve the 5-7% utility earnings compound annual growth rate range over the planning horizon and scenarios described in the Company's first quarter 2020 earnings news release; and
• Deliver strong, sustainable value and growth for the benefit of all stakeholders.

The $1.4 billion equity investment includes $725 million in mandatory convertible preferred shares and $675 million in common shares.  A mix of new and current investors are providing the new equity capital to CenterPoint Energy, including affiliates of Elliott Management Corporation, Fidelity Management & Research Company, Bluescape Energy Partners and other long-term oriented, well-established mutual fund families.  The preferred shares' initial conversion price is $15.31 per share, and the common shares were issued at $16.08 per share.

Proceeds from these investments, in addition to the cash proceeds received from the sale of Miller Pipeline and Minnesota Limited, and expected to be received from the pending sale of CenterPoint Energy Services will be primarily applied to de-leverage the balance sheet to strengthen the Company's credit profile. As a result of today's financing, CenterPoint Energy no longer anticipates additional equity needs through 2022, and accordingly total equity issuance through 2022 would be below the midpoint of the company's previously contemplated equity issuance expectations. These decisive actions highlight CenterPoint Energy's substantial value proposition as a customer-focused energy delivery company with strong and growing electric and natural gas utility businesses.

New Board Directors

CenterPoint Energy has also bolstered its Board composition with the appointment of two new highly qualified directors, David J. Lesar and Barry T. Smitherman, bringing the total number of directors on the Board to 10.  These directors come to the Board with exemplary leadership experience, unique backgrounds and well matched skillsets tailored for the needs and opportunities ahead for the Company. 

Milton Carroll, Executive Chairman, said, "Dave Lesar and Barry Smitherman are highly accomplished leaders who add valuable perspectives and expertise to our Board. As the former CEO of Halliburton for 17 years and a CPA with a distinguished tenure at Arthur Andersen, Dave is an outstanding executive with extensive financial and operational experience. He also has an impressive track record in delivering shareholder value at the enterprises he led. Barry, an attorney by training, has enjoyed a distinguished career in banking and public service, including formerly as chairman of both the Public Utility Commission and the Railroad Commission of Texas. This experience will be invaluable in supporting strong regulatory strategies for CenterPoint Energy. We are delighted to welcome both to our Board and look forward to benefitting from their wise counsel and active participation."

Dave Lesar said, "I am pleased to be joining the distinguished board of such an outstanding company. CenterPoint Energy is a backbone of economic vitality in the state of Texas and the communities it serves. I look forward to working with the Company and my fellow directors to navigate the opportunities and complexity of the energy delivery markets."

Barry Smitherman said, "I have known and worked with CenterPoint Energy for decades, including during my tenure as chairman of the PUCT and the Railroad Commission.  I have always respected the Company for its commitment to service, safety and integrity, and I am excited to be joining its outstanding board of directors."

New Business Review and Evaluation Committee of the Board; Investor Day

In addition to the new director appointments, the Board has formed a new Business Review and Evaluation Committee of the Board (the "Committee").  To further enhance the Company's financial strength, positioning and value proposition, the new Committee will provide advice and recommendations to the Board regarding analyzing and executing on a comprehensive range of potential value-maximizing strategic business actions and alternatives related to CenterPoint Energy's current configuration and alignment of businesses, assets and other ownership interests.  The Committee is expected to conclude its work and make recommendations to the Board by October 2020, and CenterPoint Energy plans to hold an investor day by early 2021 to update stakeholders on its strategic business plan. 

The Committee will be comprised of five members, including current Board directors Martin Nesbitt and Phillip Smith, and new Board directors David Lesar (who will chair the Committee) and Barry Smitherman.  John Somerhalder II will remain Interim President and Chief Executive Officer through at least June 30, 2020, and in this capacity, will serve as the fifth member of the Committee.  The CEO position on the Committee would be filled by the individual selected by the Board to serve as the Company's permanent CEO once appointed. To facilitate the Committee's seamless work and to ensure its continuity, the Committee's chairperson will join the Board's sub-committee tasked with supporting the Board's ongoing permanent CEO selection process. The full Business Review and Evaluation Committee charter can be found on CenterPoint Energy's website.

Regarding the comprehensive approach to value creation announced today, Somerhalder said: "We are pleased that these sophisticated and experienced investors have chosen to invest with CenterPoint Energy. All of the investors in this transaction have a proven ability in collaborating to drive substantial value enhancement and bring strong, long-term credibility in the U.S. utility industry.  With no further anticipated equity needs through 2022, these equity investments provide a transformational opportunity for the Company to operate from a position of heightened strength and flexibility while remaining focused on providing safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable service to our customers and executing on the wide range of long-term opportunities across our utility businesses. The opportunities before us to create sustainable value have also been strengthened by the Board's appointment of two new outstanding directors with critical expertise, leadership experience and relevant skillsets, and the creation of the new Business Review and Evaluation Committee."

Jeff Rosenbaum, Senior Portfolio Manager at Elliott Management, said: "We believe the transformative balance-sheet and governance enhancements announced today will have a positive impact on CenterPoint Energy's future. The Company's premium regulated utilities already benefit from strong service territories and plentiful growth opportunities. We are confident that this watershed equity transaction, which will address the Company's capital needs for years to come, combined with the addition of new perspectives and processes to the Board, will position CenterPoint Energy to benefit from meaningful value-creation opportunities in the near- and long-term.  We are pleased to have worked with CenterPoint Energy's Board over the past several months, and we thank them for this collaborative outcome."

Legal Advisors

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Baker Botts L.L.P. served as legal counsel to CenterPoint Energy.  Ropes & Gray LLP acted as counsel to Elliott in connection with the investment.

About David J. Lesar 
Dave Lesar was named the interim CEO of Health Care Service Corporation in July 2019, having joined the company's board of directors in 2018, and will step down as HCSC's interim CEO on June 1, 2020. HCSC is the largest privately-held health insurer in the U.S. He was the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Halliburton from 2000 to 2017 and Executive Chairman of the Board from June 2017 until December 2018. At the company, he also served as CFO from 1995 through May 1997 and President and Chief Operating Officer from May 1997 through August 2010. Mr. Lesar joined Halliburton in 1993. He has also served on the board of directors of several companies, most recently Agrium, Inc. as well as Lyondell Chemical Co., Southern Co., Cordant Technologies, and Mirant. Trained as a Certified Public Accountant, Mr. Lesar spent 16 years at Arthur Andersen where he began in 1978. He received both his B.S. and MBA from the University of Wisconsin.

About Barry T. Smitherman
Barry Smitherman is the principal of Barry Smitherman, P.C. and a former partner in the energy regulatory group at Vinson & Elkins LLP. He served as Texas Railroad Commissioner from 2011 through 2014, and was Chairman of the Commission from March 2012 through August 2014. Prior to joining the TX RRC, Mr. Smitherman was Chairman of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, a position he held from November 2007 through July 2011. His service as a PUCT Commissioner began in April 2004. Over this time period, he served two terms on the U.S. Department of Energy Electricity Advisory Committee, on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), Chairman of the NARUC Gas Committee, on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) Board of Directors, and on the Regional State Committee of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP).  Prior to beginning public service, Mr. Smitherman spent 16 years as a public finance investment banker with J.P. Morgan Securities, The First Boston Corporation, Lazard, and Banc One Capital Markets.

About Elliott
Elliott Management Corporation is a multi-strategy fund manager with approximately $40 billion in assets under management. Its flagship fund, Elliott Associates, L.P., was founded in 1977, making it one of the oldest funds of its kind under continuous management. The Elliott funds' investors include pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, foundations, funds-of-funds, high net worth individuals and families, and employees of the firm.

About CenterPoint Energy
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with regulated utility businesses in eight states and a competitive energy businesses footprint in more than 30 states. Through its electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution businesses, the company serves more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include natural gas marketing and energy-related services; energy efficiency and sustainability solutions; and owning and operating intrastate natural gas pipeline systems.  As of December 31, 2019, the company owns nearly $35 billion in assets and also owns 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,900 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.  Any statements in this news release regarding capital investments, future earnings, future equity and capital needs or the lack thereof, the impact of the announced transactions, future balance sheet strength, credit metrics and overall credit profile, utility earnings growth or payout ratios, the mandate and activities of the board's business review and evaluation committee and any future actions that may be taken by the company, future financial performance and results of operations, including, but not limited to earnings guidance, impact of COVID-19, including with respect to regulatory actions, and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the impact of COVID-19; (2) financial market conditions; (3) general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions; (5) effects of competition; (6) weather variations; (7) changes in business plans; and (8) other factors discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information contact
Media:
Alicia Dixon
Phone 713.207.5885
Investors:
Dave Mordy
Phone 713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, April 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) announced the results of the voting by shareholders at its 2020 annual meeting held today. Shareholders approved the following proposals:

• The election of Leslie D. Biddle, Milton Carroll, Scott J. McLean, Martin H. Nesbitt, Theodore F. Pound, Susan O. Rheney, Phillip R. Smith and John W. Somerhalder II to serve on the company's Board of Directors for one-year terms; 
• The ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the company's independent registered public accounting firm for 2020;
• An advisory resolution on the compensation paid to the company's named executive officers as disclosed in the proxy statement; and
• An amendment to the CenterPoint Energy, Inc. Stock Plan for Outside Directors, as amended and restated, to increase the number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under the plan by 350,000 shares.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with regulated utility businesses in eight states and a competitive energy businesses footprint in more than 30 states. Through its electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution businesses, the company serves more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include natural gas marketing and energy-related services; energy efficiency and sustainability solutions; and owning and operating intrastate natural gas pipeline systems. As of December 31, 2019, the company owns nearly $35 billion in assets and also owns 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,900 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

For more information contact
Media:
Communications
Media.Relations@CenterPointEnergy.com
Investors:
Dave Mordy
Phone  713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, April 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc.'s (NYSE: CNP) board of directors today declared dividends on shares of its common stock and Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock.

Common Stock Dividend

The company's board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.1500 per share of common stock payable on June 11, 2020 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 21, 2020.

Series B Preferred Stock Dividend

The company's board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $17.5000 per share on its 7.00% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock payable on June 1, 2020 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 15, 2020. This equates to $0.8750 per depositary share (NYSE: CNPPRB), each of which represents a 1/20^th interest in a share of the Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock.

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with regulated utility businesses in eight states and a competitive energy businesses footprint in more than 30 states. Through its electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution businesses, the company serves more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include natural gas marketing and energy-related services; energy efficiency and sustainability solutions; and owning and operating intrastate natural gas pipeline systems. As of December 31, 2019, the company owns nearly $35 billion in assets and also owns 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,900 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

For more information contact
Media:
Communications
Media.Relations@CenterPointEnergy.com
Investors:
Dave Mordy
Phone  713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, April 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) today announced the close of its previously announced sale of Miller Pipeline and Minnesota Limited to PowerTeam Services, LLC for $850 million in cash, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. The net proceeds of the sale will be used to repay a portion of outstanding CenterPoint Energy debt.

"The close of this transaction is a significant step in streamlining CenterPoint Energy's operations and driving our strategy of growing our core utility operations," said John W. Somerhalder II, interim president and CEO.  

After the close of the sale, CenterPoint Energy consists of approximately 9,900 employees who continue to operate its utility businesses serving more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas as well as its competitive energy businesses in more than 30 states.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with regulated utility businesses in eight states and a competitive energy businesses footprint in more than 30 states. Through its electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution businesses, the company serves more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include natural gas marketing and energy-related services; energy efficiency and sustainability solutions; and owning and operating intrastate natural gas pipeline systems. As of December 31, 2019, the company owns nearly $35 billion in assets and also owns 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,900 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

The statements in this press release contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements made in good faith by us and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to benefits of the sale, use of proceeds, future strategies and future growth. Each forward-looking statement contained in this press release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the outcome of any legal proceedings, regulatory proceedings or enforcement matters that may be instituted relating to the transactions, (2) disruption from the transactions making it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees, regulators or suppliers, (3) other factors discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, April 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) today announced that it has appointed current Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer Kristie L. Colvin as interim Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer to succeed Xia Liu, who will be leaving the company to pursue another career opportunity following a transition period.

An over 30-year veteran of CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies, Colvin has served as senior vice president and chief accounting officer since September 2014. In this capacity, she is responsible for the company's accounting function, internal and external financial reporting, and internal controls.

Prior to her current role, Colvin was responsible for strategic and financial planning, management reporting and performance measurement. Her experience also includes roles in CenterPoint Energy's Planning, Accounting and Regulatory departments. Colvin received her bachelor's degree with honors in accounting and finance from Houston Baptist University and is a certified public accountant.

John W. Somerhalder II, CenterPoint Energy's interim president and chief executive officer, said, "I would like to thank Xia for her contributions and dedication during her time with the company, including helping to deliver strong fiscal 2019 results, working to realign the company's portfolio to focus on its regulated businesses, and continuing our track record of disciplined cost management. We are pleased that Xia will be staying on for a brief period to ensure a seamless transition. We wish her well in her future endeavors."

Somerhalder added, "We are confident that Kristie's deep knowledge of CenterPoint Energy and experience will serve us well in this interim role and contribute to the successful execution of our strategy and our forward momentum."

The company said it expects to name its permanent Chief Financial Officer following the appointment of its permanent CEO to succeed Somerhalder.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is an energy delivery company with regulated utility businesses in eight states and a competitive energy businesses footprint in nearly 40 states. Through its electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution businesses, the company serves more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include natural gas marketing and energy-related services; energy efficiency, sustainability and infrastructure modernization solutions; and construction and repair services for pipeline systems, primarily natural gas. The company also owns 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 14,000 employees and nearly $35 billion in assets, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

For more information contact
Media:
Alicia Dixon
Phone  713.207.5885
Investors:
David Mordy
Phone  713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, April 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) today announced a series of measures to strengthen its financial position and provide multi-year flexibility as to equity issuances. In a separate news release issued earlier today, Enable Midstream Partners, LP (Enable) announced a 50% distribution reduction for common units, representing limited partner interests in Enable. Given CenterPoint Energy's 53.7% ownership of the outstanding common units of Enable, this decrease is expected to reduce distributions to CenterPoint Energy by approximately $155 million per year on an annualized basis.

To adjust for this reduction in cash flow and strengthen CenterPoint Energy's financial position, the company expects to take the following measures intended to maintain solid investment grade credit quality:

• A targeted reduction in the company's quarterly common stock dividend from $0.2900 per share to $0.1500 per share, targeting a 50% - 55% utility earnings payout ratio;
• An approximately $40 million target reduction in 2020 operation and maintenance (O&M) expenses, excluding certain merger costs, utility costs to achieve, severance and amounts with revenue offsets; previous plans indicated the company's intent to hold 2020 O&M flat to 2019 levels; and
• An approximately $300 million reduction in 2020 capital spending from $2.6 billion to $2.3 billion; the company will continue to target five-year total capital investment of approximately $13 billion as previously disclosed.

With the above three steps and the increased earnings contribution from utilities, the company expects that its financial position will be strengthened and its credit quality improved, which will also provide multi-year flexibility as to the timing and total amount of equity issuances. The company will evaluate market and economic conditions, including the potential impacts of COVID-19, and will remain opportunistic as it assesses equity needs.

"In light of Enable's recent distribution decrease, this reduction in CenterPoint Energy's common stock dividend strengthens CenterPoint Energy's business risk profile by significantly reducing the company's reliance upon cash distributions from Enable," said John W. Somerhalder II, interim president and CEO. "We anticipate utility earnings contribution will approach 90% for 2020 and increase to nearly 100% over the next few years. The net result of today's actions supports CenterPoint Energy's firm commitment to maintaining investment grade credit quality and our continued strategic focus on growing utility earnings contribution."

A Focus on Safety and Reliability during COVID-19
CenterPoint Energy continues to be committed to providing its customers with safe and reliable service during the current COVID-19 situation. During this challenging time, CenterPoint Energy is committed to serving its customers and keeping them informed as the situation continues to evolve.

"We are committed to the safety and well-being of our customers, employees, contractors and communities," Somerhalder said. "CenterPoint Energy has implemented its Pandemic Preparedness Plan and we continue to monitor updates and follow protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and state and local officials. We are also working closely with all regulatory agencies, government entities and emergency management organizations across our service territory."

Texas Regulators Support Efforts to Avoid Customer Disconnections
Following Houston Electric's two-week voluntary suspension of disconnecting customers who have not paid their bill to their retail electric provider during COVID-19, and following collaboration with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and other market participants, on March 26, 2020, the PUCT approved a balanced solution to minimize residential disconnections. The costs associated with that program will be recovered by Houston Electric in a surcharge that went into effect this week. The PUCT also issued an accounting order allowing Houston Electric to defer for recovery in a future proceeding its other incremental costs associated with COVID-19.  The PUCT was one of the first utility regulators in the country to take this COVID-19 recovery action.

Q1 2020 Earnings Call
CenterPoint Energy continues to analyze the impact of recent events related to COVID-19 and may experience some reduction in electric and natural gas demand, as well as increased bad debt expense. While CenterPoint Energy is assessing the business impact of COVID-19 and current market and economic conditions, the company is unaware at this time of any other extraordinary factors currently having a material effect on business performance and continues to be confident in its liquidity position. CenterPoint Energy will release first quarter 2020 results on May 7, 2020, and will address pandemic impacts, capital expenditures, O&M reductions and 2020 guidance.

Forward Looking Statement
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding the impact of COVID-19, including with respect to regulatory actions, future financial performance and earnings guidance, utility earnings contribution and targeted utility earnings payout ratio, anticipated dividend rate reductions, equity issuances, estimated cash flows decreases, reductions in distributions from Enable with respect to CenterPoint Energy's holdings of Enable common units, capital spending, O&M expenses, expected business risk profile, and future events that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements.

Risks Related to CenterPoint Energy

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the performance of Enable Midstream Partners, LP (Enable), the amount of cash distributions CenterPoint Energy receives from Enable, Enable's ability to redeem the Enable Series A Preferred Units in certain circumstances and the value of CenterPoint Energy's interest in Enable, and factors that may have a material impact on such performance, cash distributions and value, including factors such as: (A) competitive conditions in the midstream industry, and actions taken by Enable's customers and competitors, including drilling, production and capital spending decisions of third parties and the extent and timing of the entry of additional competition in the markets served by Enable; (B) the timing and extent of changes in the supply of natural gas and associated commodity prices, particularly prices of natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs), the competitive effects of the available pipeline capacity in the regions served by Enable, and the effects of geographic and seasonal commodity price differentials, including the effects of these circumstances on re-contracting available capacity on Enable's interstate pipelines; (C) economic effects of the recent actions of Saudi Arabia and Russia which have resulted in a substantial decrease in oil and natural gas prices and the combined impact of these events and COVID-19 on commodity prices; (D) the demand for crude oil, natural gas, NGLs and transportation and storage services; (E) environmental and other governmental regulations, including the availability of drilling permits and the regulation of hydraulic fracturing; (F) recording of goodwill, long-lived asset or other than temporary impairment charges by or related to Enable; (G) the timing of payments from Enable's customers under existing contracts, including minimum volume commitment payments; (H) changes in tax status; and (I) access to debt and equity capital; (2) CenterPoint Energy's expected benefits of the merger with Vectren Corporation (Vectren) and integration, including the outcome of shareholder litigation filed against Vectren that could reduce anticipated benefits of the merger, as well as the ability to successfully integrate the Vectren businesses and to realize anticipated benefits and commercial opportunities; (3) industrial, commercial and residential growth in CenterPoint Energy's service territories and changes in market demand, including the demand for CenterPoint Energy's non-utility products and services and effects of energy efficiency measures and demographic patterns; (4) risks relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on CenterPoint Energy, its industry and the communities it serves, U.S. and world financial markets, potential regulatory actions, changes in customer and stakeholder behaviors and impacts on and modifications to CenterPoint Energy's and its affiliates' operations, business and financial condition relating thereto; (5) timely and appropriate rate actions that allow recovery of costs and a reasonable return on investment; (6) future economic conditions in regional and national markets and their effect on sales, prices and costs; (7) weather variations and other natural phenomena, including the impact of severe weather events on operations and capital; (8) state and federal legislative and regulatory actions or developments affecting various aspects of CenterPoint Energy's and Enable's businesses, including, among others, energy deregulation or re-regulation, pipeline integrity and safety and changes in regulation and legislation pertaining to trade, health care, finance and actions regarding the rates charged by our regulated businesses; (9) tax legislation, including the effects of the comprehensive tax reform legislation informally referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (which includes any potential changes to interest deductibility) and uncertainties involving state commissions' and local municipalities' regulatory requirements and determinations regarding the treatment of excess deferred income taxes and CenterPoint Energy's rates; (10) CenterPoint Energy's ability to mitigate weather impacts through normalization or rate mechanisms, and the effectiveness of such mechanisms; (11) the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices, particularly natural gas and coal, and the effects of geographic and seasonal commodity price differentials; (12) the ability of CenterPoint Energy's and CERC's non-utility business operating in the Energy Services reportable segment to effectively optimize opportunities related to natural gas price volatility and storage activities, including weather-related impacts; (13) actions by credit rating agencies, including any potential downgrades to credit ratings; (14) changes in interest rates and their impact on CenterPoint Energy's costs of borrowing and the valuation of its pension benefit obligation; (15) problems with regulatory approval, legislative actions, construction, implementation of necessary technology or other issues with respect to major capital projects that result in delays or cancellations or in cost overruns that cannot be recouped in rates; (16) the availability and prices of raw materials and services and changes in labor for current and future construction projects; (17) local, state and federal legislative and regulatory actions or developments relating to the environment, including, among other things, those related to global climate change, air emissions, carbon, waste water discharges and the handling and disposal of coal combustion residuals (CCR) that could impact the continued operation, and/or cost recovery of generation plant costs and related assets; (18) the impact of unplanned facility outages or other closures; (19) any direct or indirect effects on CenterPoint Energy's or Enable's facilities, operations and financial condition resulting from terrorism, cyber-attacks, data security breaches or other attempts to disrupt CenterPoint Energy's businesses or the businesses of third parties, or other catastrophic events such as fires, ice, earthquakes, explosions, leaks, floods, droughts, hurricanes, tornadoes, pandemic health events or other occurrences; (20) CenterPoint Energy's ability to invest planned capital and the timely recovery of CenterPoint Energy's existing and future investments, including those related to Indiana Electric's anticipated Integrated Resource Plan; (21) CenterPoint Energy's ability to successfully construct and operate electric generating facilities, including complying with applicable environmental standards and the implementation of a well-balanced energy and resource mix, as appropriate; (22) CenterPoint Energy's ability to control operation and maintenance costs; (23) the sufficiency of CenterPoint Energy's insurance coverage, including availability, cost, coverage and terms and ability to recover claims; (24) the investment performance of CenterPoint Energy's pension and postretirement benefit plans; (25) commercial bank and financial market conditions, CenterPoint Energy's access to capital, the cost of such capital, and the results of CenterPoint Energy's financing and refinancing efforts, including availability of funds in the debt capital markets; (26) changes in rates of inflation; (27) inability of various counterparties to meet their obligations to CenterPoint Energy; (28) non-payment for CenterPoint Energy's services due to financial distress of its customers; (29) the extent and effectiveness of CenterPoint Energy's and Enable's risk management and hedging activities, including but not limited to, financial and weather hedges and commodity risk management activities; (30) timely and appropriate regulatory actions, which include actions allowing securitization, for any future hurricanes or natural disasters or other recovery of costs, including costs associated with Hurricane Harvey; (31) CenterPoint Energy's or Enable's potential business strategies and strategic initiatives, including restructurings, joint ventures and acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses, including the proposed sales of Infrastructure Services and CES, which CenterPoint Energy and Enable cannot assure will be completed or will have the anticipated benefits to CenterPoint Energy or Enable; (32) the recording of impairment charges, including any impairment associated with Infrastructure Services and CES; (33) the performance of projects undertaken by CenterPoint Energy's non-utility businesses and the success of efforts to realize value from, invest in and develop new opportunities and other factors affecting those non-utility businesses, including, but not limited to, the level of success in bidding contracts, fluctuations in volume and mix of contracted work, mix of projects received under blanket contracts, failure to properly estimate cost to construct projects or unanticipated cost increases in completion of the contracted work, changes in energy prices that affect demand for construction services and projects and cancellation and/or reductions in the scope of projects by customers and obligations related to warranties and guarantees; (34) acquisition and merger activities involving CenterPoint Energy or its competitors, including the ability to successfully complete merger, acquisition and divestiture plans; (35) CenterPoint Energy's or Enable's ability to recruit, effectively transition and retain management and key employees and maintain good labor relations; (36) the outcome of litigation; (37) the ability of retail electric providers (REPs), including REP affiliates of NRG Energy, Inc. and Vistra Energy Corp., formerly known as TCEH Corp., to satisfy their obligations to CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries; (38) changes in technology, particularly with respect to efficient battery storage or the emergence or growth of new, developing or alternative sources of generation; (39) the impact of alternate energy sources on the demand for natural gas; (40) the timing and outcome of any audits, disputes and other proceedings related to taxes; (41) the effective tax rates; (42) the transition to a replacement for the LIBOR benchmark interest rate; (43) the effect of changes in and application of accounting standards and pronouncements; and (44) other factors discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About CenterPoint Energy
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is an energy delivery company with regulated utility businesses in eight states and a competitive energy businesses footprint in nearly 40 states. Through its electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution businesses, the company serves more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include natural gas marketing and energy-related services; energy efficiency, sustainability and infrastructure modernization solutions; and construction and repair services for pipeline systems, primarily natural gas. The company also owns 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 14,000 employees and nearly $35 billion in assets, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

For more information contact
Media:
Alicia Dixon
Phone: 713.825.9107
Investors:
David Mordy
Phone: 713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, Feb. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) today announced it has entered into an agreement to sell its natural gas retail business, CenterPoint Energy Services, Inc. (CES) to Energy Capital Partners, LLC, (ECP), a private equity and credit investor specializing in energy infrastructure projects, for total consideration of approximately $400 million, including estimated working capital at close, subject to the satisfaction of customary terms and conditions. As part of the transaction, CES will enter into a structured long-term Preferred Supply agreement where Shell Energy North America (US), L.P. (SENA) will provide gas supply and collateral support, as well as receive equity warrants. Net proceeds of the sale will be used to repay a portion of outstanding CenterPoint Energy debt.

"The sale of our gas retail business further positions CenterPoint Energy to focus on the long-term performance of our core electric and natural gas utility businesses," said John W. Somerhalder II, interim president and chief executive officer of CenterPoint Energy. "At the same time, this sale will strengthen our balance sheet and improve our business risk profile."

Somerhalder added, "When combined with our recent agreement to sell Miller Pipeline and Minnesota Limited, two businesses that comprised our infrastructure services segment, we expect our utility earnings contribution to approach 90% over the next several years." 

CES provides competitive natural gas sales, storage and supply, and other energy-related solutions to approximately 30,000 commercial and industrial customers, utilities and municipalities in more than 30 states. CES is headquartered in Houston and has approximately 300 employees.

"ECP looks forward to partnering with CES and its employees in order to continue providing customers with best-in-class service and reliable gas supply," said Andrew Gilbert, a partner at ECP. "We are excited to support CES' future growth."

The sale is anticipated to be completed in the second quarter 2020, subject to the satisfaction of closing conditions, including the expiration or termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to CenterPoint Energy. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is acting as legal counsel to CenterPoint Energy. Latham & Watkins, LLP is serving as legal counsel to Energy Capital Partners, LLC and BNP Paribas is providing a committed borrowing base facility.  

Headquartered in Houston, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with regulated utility businesses in eight states and a competitive energy businesses footprint in nearly 40 states. Through its electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution businesses, the company serves more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include natural gas marketing and energy-related services; energy efficiency, sustainability and infrastructure modernization solutions; and construction and repair services for pipeline systems, primarily natural gas. The company also owns 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 14,000 employees and nearly $35 billion in assets, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

Energy Capital Partners, founded in 2005, is a North American-focused investor across both equity and credit infrastructure assets, including natural gas power generation, renewables and storage solutions, midstream, environmental infrastructure and opportunistic energy situations emphasizing the transition to clean energy while avoiding the more volatile energy subsectors like exploration and production. The ECP team, comprised of 61 people with 600 years of collective industry experience, deep expertise and extensive relationships, has consummated more than 60 transactions over the last 10 years, representing more than $45 billion of enterprise value.

Forward-Looking Statement
The statements in this press release contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements made in good faith by us and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to benefits of the sale, the timing of the closing, CenterPoint Energy's use of proceeds from the sale, the relative contribution of CenterPoint Energy's core energy delivery business after closing, including the related impact to utility earnings percentages, and anticipated changes in CenterPoint Energy's balance sheet, risk profile and earnings quality. Each forward-looking statement contained in this press release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1)  the timing of the expiration or termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period and the receipt of any consents, waivers or approvals required to be obtained pursuant to applicable antitrust laws, (2) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the proposed transactions or could otherwise cause the failure of the proposed transactions to close, (3) the risk that a condition to the closing of the proposed transactions may not be satisfied, (4) the outcome of any legal proceedings, regulatory proceedings or enforcement matters that may be instituted relating to the proposed transactions, (5) the timing to consummate the proposed transactions, (6) disruption from the proposed transactions making it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees, regulators or suppliers, (7) the diversion of management time and attention on the proposed transactions  and (8) other factors discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2019, June 30, 2019 and September 30, 2019 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, Feb. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc.'s (NYSE: CNP) board of directors today declared dividends on shares of its common stock, Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock and Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock.

Common Stock Dividend

The company's board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.2900 per share of common stock payable on March 12, 2020 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Feb. 20, 2020. This quarterly dividend, if annualized, would equate to $1.16 per share.

"This marks the 15^th consecutive year we have increased our common stock dividend," said Scott Prochazka, president and chief executive officer of CenterPoint Energy. "The board's decision today demonstrates CenterPoint Energy's continued commitment to dividend growth, while also driving shareholder value by capitalizing on its significant rate base investment opportunities in its regulated utilities. Central to this commitment of dividend and regulated utilities earnings growth is our continued focus on strengthening our balance sheet following the Vectren merger and the divestiture of the non-rate regulated CenterPoint Energy Infrastructure Services business segment."

Series A Preferred Stock Dividend

The company's board of directors declared a regular semiannual cash dividend of $30.6250 per share on its Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock payable on March 2, 2020 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Feb. 14, 2020.

Series B Preferred Stock Dividend

The company's board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $17.5000 per share on its 7.00% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock payable on March 2, 2020 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Feb. 15, 2020. As Feb. 15, 2020 falls on a Saturday, the effective record date for the dividend will be the close of business on Feb. 14, 2020. This equates to $0.8750 per depositary share (NYSE: CNPPRB), each of which represents a 1/20^th interest in a share of the Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock.

Annual Meeting

The company also announced that its 2020 annual meeting of shareholders will be held on Friday, April 24, 2020, at 9 a.m. CDT in the CenterPoint Energy Tower auditorium, 1111 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas. Shareholders who hold shares of CenterPoint Energy common stock as of Feb. 28, 2020, will receive notice of the meeting and will be eligible to vote.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with regulated utility businesses in eight states and a competitive energy businesses footprint in nearly 40 states. Through its electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution businesses, the company serves more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include natural gas marketing and energy-related services; energy efficiency, sustainability and infrastructure modernization solutions; and construction and repair services for pipeline systems, primarily natural gas. The company also owns 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 14,000 employees and nearly $35 billion in assets, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events, such as annualized dividends per share, dividend and utility earnings growth, actions with respect to CenterPoint Energy's balance sheet, capital investments and rate base growth, the anticipated divestiture of the infrastructure services business segment and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release.

For more information contact
Media:
Alicia Dixon
Phone 713.207.5885
Investors:
Dave Mordy
Phone 713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON and ATLANTA, Feb. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) and PowerTeam Services, LLC ("PowerTeam"), an integrated infrastructure services provider, today announced that they have entered into an agreement through which CenterPoint Energy will sell Miller Pipeline and Minnesota Limited (collectively, "MVerge") to PowerTeam for $850 million in cash, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. Net proceeds of the sale will be used to repay a portion of outstanding CenterPoint Energy debt.

Scott Prochazka, president and chief executive officer of CenterPoint Energy, said, "The sale is a key achievement in our ongoing strategic focus to strengthen our balance sheet and improve our business risk profile and earnings quality pursuant to increased relative contribution of our core utility businesses. Post transaction, we expect our utility earnings contribution to increase to greater than 80% over the next few years."  

Prochazka added, "With PowerTeam, we believe we have found the right company to continue growing the businesses of Miller Pipeline and Minnesota Limited and position them for long-term success."

Miller Pipeline and Minnesota Limited, which represent CenterPoint Energy's Infrastructure Services business segment, are two of the premier natural gas distribution and transmission pipeline contractors in the United States, providing services to customers in 35 states. In 2019, both Miller Pipeline and Minnesota Limited were acquired by CenterPoint Energy in the CenterPoint Energy-Vectren Corporation merger. Miller Pipeline is headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind. and employs more than 3,500 people. Minnesota Limited is based in Big Lake, Minn. with peak employment of more than 1,400 employees.

"PowerTeam's combination with Miller Pipeline and Minnesota Limited creates a powerful platform with nationwide scale to continue to safely and reliably serve customers, provide enhanced career opportunities for employees, and capitalize on significant growth opportunities in the utility and energy infrastructure industry," said Brian Palmer, chief executive officer of PowerTeam, who will serve as the chief executive officer of the combined company. "Our highly complementary businesses have a shared set of values and a diverse customer base and geographic presence that will serve as the foundation for our continued growth. Together, we will focus on continuing to deliver top-notch safety, execution, quality and professionalism to our customers across the United States."  

Doug Banning, current chief executive officer of MVerge who will continue to oversee Miller Pipeline and Minnesota Limited, said, "This is an exciting development for everyone at Miller Pipeline and Minnesota Limited. PowerTeam shares our goal of being the best in the industry and recognizes the talent that our organization brings. By combining two industry leaders, we believe our employees and customers will see significant benefits."

The sale is anticipated to be completed in the second quarter of 2020, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the expiration or termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period.

J.P. Morgan is serving as exclusive financial advisor to CenterPoint Energy. Latham & Watkins LLP is acting as legal counsel to CenterPoint Energy. Credit Suisse, UBS Investment Bank, and Harris Williams are serving as financial advisors to PowerTeam, and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is serving as legal counsel to PowerTeam.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with regulated utility businesses in eight states and a competitive energy businesses footprint in nearly 40 states. Through its electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution businesses, the company serves more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include natural gas marketing and energy-related services; energy efficiency, sustainability and infrastructure modernization solutions; and construction and repair services for pipeline systems, primarily natural gas. The company also owns 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 14,000 employees and nearly $35 billion in assets, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

PowerTeam Services, LLC, based in Atlanta, Ga., is an industry-leading provider of integrated infrastructure services to the natural gas and electric industries across 20 states. PowerTeam employs more than 4,000 people throughout the United States and its operating companies include KS Energy Services, Southeast Connections, Volt Power and Hydro-X. For more information, visit http://www.powerteamservices.com

Forward-Looking Statement

The statements in this press release contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements made in good faith by us and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to benefits of the sale, the timing of the closing and the relative contribution of CenterPoint Energy's core energy delivery business after closing. Each forward-looking statement contained in this press release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1)  the timing of the expiration or termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period or any other commitment to not close before a certain date under a timing agreement with the United States Federal Trade Commission or the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice, (2) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the proposed transactions or could otherwise cause the failure of the proposed transactions to close, (3) the risk that a condition to the closing of the proposed transactions may not be satisfied, (4) the outcome of any legal proceedings, regulatory proceedings or enforcement matters that may be instituted relating to the proposed transactions, (5) the timing to consummate the proposed transactions, (6) disruption from the proposed transactions making it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees, regulators or suppliers, (7) the diversion of management time and attention on the proposed transactions  and (8) other factors discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2019, June 30, 2019 and September 30, 2019 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, Jan. 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy Services, Inc. (CES), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP), ranked first in the major natural gas marketer category for the second year-in-a-row, according to Mastio & Company's Natural Gas Marketer Customer Value/Loyalty Benchmarking Study. The study measures customers' responses to determine which supplier provides the best perceived value.

"We strive to provide exceptional customer service and industry-leading reliability through open communication, prompt resolution and a knowledgeable sales team," said Rob Ellis, vice president of sales for CenterPoint Energy Services. "Winning this award for the second consecutive year confirms our employees' longstanding commitment to cultivating strong customer relationships."

In the 2019 study, approximately 150 suppliers were evaluated. CES ranked highest in several categories, including reliability of natural gas supply, speed of contract negotiations and the sales team's knowledge.

The 2019 Natural Gas Marketer Customer Value/Loyalty Benchmarking Study is based on responses from more than 500 customers interviews providing roughly 1,200 observations and approximately 2,100 voice of the customer responses to eight open-ended questions. The data was collected by telephone interviews with key decision makers during the months of September through early November 2019. For more information on the Natural Gas Marketer Customer Value/Loyalty Benchmarking Study, visit http://www.mastio.com/images/latest_studies/GMKT-2019_Press_Release.pdf.

CES is a leading provider of a wide range of competitive energy services to meet the unique needs of customers across the United States. CES delivers reliable natural gas and energy services to natural gas utilities, large industrials and municipalities, as well as to other large-volume market segments.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with regulated utility businesses in eight states and a competitive energy businesses footprint in nearly 40 states. Through its electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution businesses, the company serves more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include natural gas marketing and energy-related services; energy efficiency, sustainability and infrastructure modernization solutions; and construction and repair services for pipeline systems, primarily natural gas. The company also owns 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 14,000 employees and nearly $35 billion in assets, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

For more information, contact
Communications
24-Hour Media Access Line: 713.619.5143
Media.Relations@CenterPointEnergy.com

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 28, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy (NYSE: CNP) today filed an application with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) requesting an adjustment to distribution charges for the company's natural gas business in Minnesota.

The proposed rate adjustment would support major investments in the continued safety and reliability of the approximately 14,000-mile pipeline system that serves more than 860,000 CenterPoint Energy customers in Minnesota.

Specifically, if the rate adjustment is approved, it would help cover the rising costs of infrastructure projects to replace or upgrade pipelines to prevent leaks and comply with more stringent federal pipeline regulations. It would also help cover costs related to a growing number of local road construction and other public works projects that require CenterPoint Energy to relocate pipelines and equipment. Current rates do not provide adequate revenue to cover these increased costs.

"Our customers and communities benefit from the essential investments we make to ensure the safety and reliability of our natural gas distribution system," said Brad Tutunjian, vice president of the Minnesota region for CenterPoint Energy. "For example, we are modernizing our infrastructure and replacing many existing pipelines with even more resilient materials that will maximize safety."

Tutunjian added: "About 80 percent of the homes in our Minnesota service area depend on natural gas for heat. As another winter heating season arrives, CenterPoint Energy is committed to delivering reliable, affordable clean energy that is available around the clock, even on the coldest days, to keep Minnesotans safe and warm."

With the proposed adjustment, the average residential customer bill would increase by about $4.80 per month. Currently, the average residential customer pays about $55 per month for natural gas service, with most of these costs incurred during the winter heating season.

Even with the proposed adjustment, monthly bills for the average CenterPoint Energy residential customer in Minnesota would still be nearly 35 percent lower than a decade ago, due to a decline in natural gas prices partially offset by increases in delivery rates.

Since 2013, CenterPoint Energy has invested more than $1 billion in its network of natural gas pipelines and equipment serving Minnesota customers. The company expects to invest an additional $1 billion over the next five years. These increased investments reflect an industry-wide trend, partly in response to federal pipeline regulations. If approved, the proposed new rates would result in a revenue increase of about $62 million annually, or 6.8 percent.

Major CenterPoint Energy projects in Minnesota include:

• Inspecting, upgrading and replacing transmission and distribution pipelines as part of a comprehensive integrity program to address pipes at risk of corrosion or leaks;
• Replacing all 43 miles of cast iron pipelines in CenterPoint Energy's Minnesota system, a project that was completed in 2017, eliminating a pipe material that contributed to methane emissions;
• Replacing or upgrading 479 miles of unprotected or bare steel distribution pipelines;
• Replacing 61 miles of a high-pressure, large-diameter transmission pipeline (known as the Metro Belt Line Project), originally installed in the 1940s and 1950s;
• Replacing nearly 15,000 copper service lines;
• Replacing and moving outside more than 89,000 indoor residential meters, with new service lines, as a safety measure to provide direct access to shut-off valves; and
• Deploying state-of-the-art technology to quickly and efficiently detect even the smallest leaks, which supports both safety and methane reduction.

In addition to improved safety and reliability, these investments help protect the environment and prevent greenhouse gas emissions. For example, permanent replacement of all cast iron and many bare steel pipelines and the use of advanced leak detection technology have already resulted in an 18 percent reduction in methane emissions from the company's Minnesota operations since 2013.

CenterPoint Energy's request seeks approval to change the basic and delivery charges on a customer's bill, which together make up about half of the total bill and cover the costs of distributing natural gas, including operations, maintenance, taxes and other expenses. The proposed changes would affect individual monthly bills differently, depending on natural gas use and customer type.

The request does not apply to the cost of natural gas, which makes up the other half of a typical customer bill. The wholesale price of natural gas changes monthly depending on market prices. This price is passed on directly to customers with no mark-up, and CenterPoint Energy does not profit from the sale of the natural gas.

The Public Utilities Commission will likely decide on the requested rate adjustment in late 2020 or early 2021. In the meantime, the Commission will set temporary rates on an interim basis, which would take effect on Jan. 1, 2020, and remain in place until a final decision is made. The requested interim rate increase is about 5.8 percent more than the current rate.

If the final approved rates are lower than the interim rates, CenterPoint Energy would refund customers the difference, including interest. If the final approved rates are higher than the interim rates, customers would not be charged the difference. 

Public hearings will be held early next year to provide customers and other interested parties the opportunity to comment on the rate request, followed by formal hearings at the Public Utilities Commission.

Customers with questions about the proposed change to natural gas distribution rates can call CenterPoint Energy at 612-372-4727 or toll-free 800-245-2377, or visit the company's website at CenterPointEnergy.com/RateCase.

About CenterPoint Energy
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is an energy delivery company with regulated utility businesses in eight states and a competitive energy businesses footprint in nearly 40 states. Through its electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution businesses, the company serves more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include natural gas marketing and energy-related services; energy efficiency, sustainability and infrastructure modernization solutions; and construction and repair services for pipeline systems, primarily natural gas. The company also owns 53.8 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 14,000 employees and nearly $34 billion in assets, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words "would," "estimate," "expect," "may," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events, such as future legislative and regulatory filings, actions and decisions, including the timing and impact of such actions and decisions, the amount and timing of, and expected benefits derived from, proposed investments, the impact of the proposed rate adjustments on costs of various projects, the expected impact of the proposed rate adjustments on customer bills, the performance and expected benefits of various projects, including relating to emissions reductions, expected actions in response to temporary and final approved rate changes, the projected impact to customers and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. Factors that could affect actual results include timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions, general economic conditions, effects of competition, weather variations, changes in business plans, financial market conditions and other factors discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information, contact
Communications
Ross Corson: 612.321.4879
Media.Relations@CenterPointEnergy.com 

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, Oct. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc.'s (NYSE: CNP) board of directors today declared dividends on shares of its common stock and Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock.

Common Stock Dividend

The company's board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.2875 per share of common stock payable on Dec. 12, 2019 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Nov. 21, 2019.

Series B Preferred Stock Dividend

The company's board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $17.5000 per share on its 7.00% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock payable on Dec. 2, 2019 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Nov. 15, 2019. This equates to $0.8750 per depositary share (NYSE: CNPPRB), each of which represents a 1/20^th interest in a share of the Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with regulated utility businesses in eight states and a competitive energy businesses footprint in nearly 40 states. Through its electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution businesses, the company serves more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include natural gas marketing and energy-related services; energy efficiency, sustainability and infrastructure modernization solutions; and construction and repair services for pipeline systems, primarily natural gas. The company also owns 53.8 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 14,000 employees and nearly $34 billion in assets, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release.

For more information contact
Media:
Alicia Dixon
Phone 713.207.5885
Investors:
Dave Mordy
Phone 713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, Aug. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) today announced the closing on August 14, 2019 of its offering and sale of $1.2 billion of senior notes comprised of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.50% senior notes due 2024, $400 million aggregate principal amount of 2.95% senior notes due 2030 and $300 million aggregate principal amount of 3.70% senior notes due 2049. The net proceeds from the offering will be used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of a portion of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.'s outstanding commercial paper that was issued, in part, to (i) refinance commercial paper to fund a portion of the cash consideration paid for all of the shares of Vectren Corporation ("Vectren"), (ii) pay merger fees and expenses, (iii) pay a cash dividend to Vectren stockholders as of February 1, 2019 and (iv) fund certain of Vectren's long-term incentive payments.

BofA Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo Securities served as representatives and joint bookrunners. Additional joint book-running managers were Barclays, Citigroup, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank Securities, MUFG and RBC Capital Markets. BB&T Capital Markets, BNP PARIBAS, Fifth Third Securities and Huntington Capital Markets served as senior co-managers. Loop Capital Markets and R. Seelaus & Co., LLC served as co-managers. 

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

This news release includes forward-looking statements. Actual events and results may differ materially from those projected. The statements in this news release regarding the use of proceeds from the offering and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect actual results include, but are not limited to, factors discussed in CenterPoint Energy, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, CenterPoint Energy, Inc.'s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2019 and June 30, 2019 and CenterPoint Energy, Inc.'s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is an energy delivery company with regulated utility businesses in eight states and a competitive energy businesses footprint in nearly 40 states. Through its electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution businesses, the company serves more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy, Inc.'s competitive energy businesses include natural gas marketing and energy-related services; energy efficiency, sustainability and infrastructure modernization solutions; and construction and repair services for pipeline systems, primarily natural gas. The company also owns 53.8 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 14,000 employees and approximately $34 billion in assets, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.

For more information contact
Media:
Alicia Dixon
Phone 713.207.5885
Investors:
Dave Mordy
Phone 713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, July 31, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc.'s (NYSE: CNP) board of directors today declared dividends on shares of its common stock, Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock and Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock.

Common Stock Dividend

The company's board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.2875 per share of common stock payable on September 12, 2019 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 15, 2019.

Series A Preferred Stock Dividend

The company's board of directors declared a regular semiannual cash dividend of $30.6250 per share on its Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock payable on September 3, 2019 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 15, 2019.

Series B Preferred Stock Dividend

The company's board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $17.5000 per share on its 7.00% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock payable on September 3, 2019 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 15, 2019. This equates to $0.8750 per depositary share (NYSE: CNPPRB), each of which represents a 1/20^th interest in a share of the Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with regulated utility businesses in eight states and a competitive energy businesses footprint in nearly 40 states. Through its electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution businesses, the company serves more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include natural gas marketing and energy-related services; energy efficiency, sustainability and infrastructure modernization solutions; and construction and repair services for pipeline systems, primarily natural gas. The company also owns 53.8 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets.

With approximately 14,000 employees and nearly $34 billion in assets, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release.

For more information contact
Media: 
Alicia Dixon
Phone      713.207.5885
Investors:
Dave Mordy
Phone      713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, July 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) today announced the release of its 2018 Corporate Responsibility Report, Shared Impact. The report, which provides an overview of the company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and strategy, follows the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework and was prepared in accordance with the GRI Standards: Core option. The company has also incorporated both the American Gas Association's and Edison Electric Institute's Version 1 ESG template into its annual reporting activities to better serve its stakeholders.

"Our 2018 Corporate Responsibility Report focuses on how we engage with our stakeholders, approach environmental stewardship, support our communities, and provide a safe, inclusive workplace," said Scott Prochazka, president and chief executive officer of CenterPoint Energy. "We continue to make progress in these areas since our first Corporate Responsibility Report was published in 2016."

Highlights include:

Environmental: Filed a proposal with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission seeking approval to introduce a renewable natural gas (RNG) green tariff pilot program to Minnesota customers. If approved, the company would be one of the first natural gas providers in the United States to offer RNG as part of its commitment to sustainability.

Social: Employees supported more than 400 nonprofit boards and advisory councils through approximately 300 employees serving in volunteer leadership positions. Employees also contributed more than 130,000 employee volunteer hours, which equates to $2.78 million in labor when calculated using the Independent Sector's value of $24.69 for a volunteer hour.

Governance: Established an ESG Council to identify, evaluate and recommend strategic direction and opportunities on an ongoing basis that promote ESG objectives aligned with CenterPoint Energy's vision and long-term strategic plan.

Merger with Vectren

In April 2018, CenterPoint Energy and Vectren Corporation announced their plans to merge and the transaction was successfully completed on Feb. 1, creating a combined company with a unified set of values, vision, strategy and culture. While CenterPoint Energy's 2018 Corporate Responsibility Report covers CenterPoint Energy's legacy activities as of year-end 2018, the 2019 report is expected to include data for the combined company. Legacy Vectren's 2018 GRI Index is available on the Investors section of www.CenterPointEnergy.com.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is an energy delivery company with regulated utility businesses in eight states and a competitive energy businesses footprint in nearly 40 states. Through its electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution businesses, the company serves more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include natural gas marketing and energy-related services; energy efficiency, sustainability and infrastructure modernization solutions; and construction and repair services for pipeline systems, primarily natural gas. The company also owns 53.8 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 14,000 employees and nearly $34 billion in assets, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit www.CenterPointEnergy.com.

For more information contact
Media:
Alicia Dixon
Phone  713.207.5885
Investors:
David Mordy
Phone  713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

HOUSTON, May 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) today reported income available to common shareholders of $140 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2019, compared with $165 million, or $0.38 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2018.  On a guidance basis, first quarter 2019 earnings were $0.46 per diluted share, excluding impacts associated with the Vectren merger (the merger).  First quarter 2018 earnings, on a guidance basis, were $0.55 per diluted share. 

"I'm pleased with our first quarter results.  While weather-related impacts affected first quarter earnings, we remain confident in our anticipated 2019 full-year performance," said Scott M. Prochazka, president and chief executive officer of CenterPoint Energy. "Our utilities continue to benefit from strong customer growth and recovery mechanisms allowing for timely recovery of capital invested on behalf of our customers."

Business Segments

Houston Electric - Transmission & Distribution

The Houston electric - transmission & distribution segment reported operating income of $84 million for the first quarter of 2019, consisting of $74 million from the regulated electric transmission and distribution utility operations (TDU) and $10 million related to securitization bonds.  Operating income for the TDU for the first quarter of 2019 includes $10 million of merger-related expenses.  Excluding merger-related expenses, first quarter 2019 TDU operating income was $84 million. Operating income for the first quarter of 2018 was $115 million, consisting of $99 million from the TDU and $16 million related to securitization bonds.

Excluding merger-related expenses, operating income for the TDU benefited primarily from rate relief, miscellaneous revenues and customer growth.  These benefits were more than offset by lower usage primarily due to a return to more normal weather in January, lower equity return, primarily related to the annual true-up of transition charges, increased depreciation and amortization expense, higher operation and maintenance expenses and lower revenues related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).

Indiana Electric – Integrated

The Indiana electric – integrated segment reported an operating loss of $9 million for the period of February 1, 2019 through March 31, 2019. This operating loss includes $20 million of merger-related expenses.  These results are not comparable to the first quarter of 2018 as this segment was acquired in the merger.

Natural Gas Distribution

The natural gas distribution segment reported operating income of $167 million for the first quarter of 2019. As of February 1, 2019, this segment includes the results of the Indiana and Ohio gas utilities acquired in the merger.  Operating income for the first quarter of 2019 includes $53 million of merger-related expenses.  Excluding merger-related expenses, first quarter 2019 natural gas distribution operating income was $220 million.  Natural gas distribution operating income for the first quarter of 2018 was $156 million.

Excluding merger-related expenses, operating income increased $46 million for the gas utilities acquired in the merger.  The remaining increase is primarily due to rate relief, weather and usage, driven by timing of a decoupling mechanism in Minnesota and customer growth.  These increases were partially offset by lower revenues related to the TCJA, higher operation and maintenance expenses and increased depreciation and amortization expense. 

Energy Services

The energy services segment reported operating income of $33 million for the first quarter of 2019, which included a mark-to-market gain of $19 million, compared with an operating loss of $26 million for the first quarter of 2018, which included a mark-to-market loss of $80 million.  Excluding mark-to-market adjustments, operating income was $14 million for the first quarter of 2019 compared to $54 million for the first quarter of 2018.

Operating income, excluding mark-to-market adjustments, decreased primarily due to a reduction in margin resulting from reduced weather-related opportunities to optimize natural gas costs.  Much of this reduction was anticipated given the very strong first quarter 2018 performance which concentrated annual optimization revenues into the first quarter of 2018.

Infrastructure Services

The infrastructure services segment reported an operating loss of $16 million for the period of February 1, 2019 through March 31, 2019. This operating loss includes $15 million of merger-related expenses. These results are not comparable to the first quarter of 2018 as this segment was acquired in the merger.

Midstream Investments

The midstream investments segment reported $62 million of equity income for the first quarter of 2019, compared with $69 million in the first quarter of 2018.  The decrease in equity income is attributable to a non-cash loss of $11 million from the dilution of ownership in Enable as a result of the vesting of common units under Enable's long-term incentive program recorded in the first quarter of 2019.

Corporate and Other

The corporate and other segment reported an operating loss of $14 million for the first quarter of 2019, compared with operating income of $6 million for the first quarter of 2018.  The operating loss for the first quarter of 2019 includes $16 million of merger-related expenses. 

Earnings Outlook

• 2018 - 2023 target of 5 - 7% compound annual guidance basis EPS growth, using $1.60 as the starting EPS
• 2019 guidance basis EPS range of $1.60 - $1.70, excluding certain impacts associated with the merger:
• Integration and transaction-related fees and expenses, including severance and other costs to achieve the anticipated cost savings as a result of the merger
• Merger financing impacts in January, prior to the completion of the merger, due to the issuance of debt and equity securities to fund the merger that resulted in higher net interest expense and higher common stock share count
• 2020 guidance basis EPS range of $1.75 - $1.90

Both the 2019 and 2020 guidance ranges consider operations performance to date and assumptions for certain significant variables that may impact earnings, such as customer growth (approximately 2% for electric operations and 1% for natural gas distribution) and usage including normal weather, throughput, commodity prices, recovery of capital invested through rate cases and other rate filings, effective tax rates, financing activities and related interest rates, and regulatory and judicial proceedings as well as the volume of work contracted in our infrastructure services business.  The ranges also consider anticipated cost savings as a result of the merger.  The 2019 guidance range assumes Enable Midstream Partners, LP's (Enable) 2019 guidance range for net income attributable to common units, provided on Enable's 1^st quarter earnings call on May 1, 2019.  The 2020 guidance range utilizes a range of CenterPoint Energy scenarios for Enable's 2020 net income attributable to common units. The 2020 range also considers the estimated cost and timing of technology integration projects.

In providing this guidance, CenterPoint Energy uses a non-GAAP measure of adjusted diluted earnings per share that does not consider other potential impacts, such as changes in accounting standards or unusual items, including those from Enable, earnings or losses from the change in the value of the ZENS securities and the related stocks, or the timing effects of mark-to-market accounting in the company's Energy Services business, which, along with the certain excluded impacts associated with the merger, could have a material impact on GAAP reported results for the applicable guidance period.  CenterPoint Energy is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of forward looking adjusted diluted earnings per share because changes in the value of ZENS and related securities and mark-to-market gains or losses resulting from the company's Energy Services business are not estimable as they are highly variable and difficult to predict due to various factors outside of management's control.

Filing of Form 10-Q for CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Today, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019.  A copy of that report is available on the company's website, under the Investors section. Other filings the company makes with the SEC and certain documents relating to its corporate governance can also be found under the Investors section. 

Webcast of Earnings Conference Call

CenterPoint Energy's management will host an earnings conference call on Thursday, May 9, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. Central time/11:00 a.m. Eastern time. Interested parties may listen to a live audio broadcast of the conference call on the company's website under the Investors section. A replay of the call can be accessed approximately two hours after the completion of the call and will be archived on the website for at least one year.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is an energy delivery company with regulated utility businesses in eight states and a competitive energy businesses footprint in nearly 40 states. Through its electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution businesses, the company serves more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include natural gas marketing and energy-related services; energy efficiency, sustainability and infrastructure modernization solutions; and construction and repair services for pipeline systems, primarily natural gas. The company also owns 53.8 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 14,000 employees and nearly $34 billion in assets, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties.  Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future earnings, and future financial performance and results of operations, including, but not limited to earnings guidance, targeted dividend growth rate and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release.

Risks Related to CenterPoint Energy 
Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the performance of Enable Midstream Partners, LP (Enable), the amount of cash distributions CenterPoint Energy receives from Enable, Enable's ability to redeem the Enable Series A Preferred Units in certain circumstances and the value of CenterPoint Energy's interest in Enable, and factors that may have a material impact on such performance, cash distributions and value, including factors such as: (A) competitive conditions in the midstream industry, and actions taken by Enable's customers and competitors, including the extent and timing of the entry of additional competition in the markets served by Enable; (B) the timing and extent of changes in the supply of natural gas and associated commodity prices, particularly prices of natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs), the competitive effects of the available pipeline capacity in the regions served by Enable, and the effects of geographic and seasonal commodity price differentials, including the effects of these circumstances on re-contracting available capacity on Enable's interstate pipelines; (C) the demand for crude oil, natural gas, NGLs and transportation and storage services; (D) environmental and other governmental regulations, including the availability of drilling permits and the regulation of hydraulic fracturing; (E) recording of goodwill, long-lived asset or other than temporary impairment charges by or related to Enable; (F) changes in tax status; and (G) access to debt and equity capital; (2) CenterPoint Energy's expected benefits of the merger with Vectren Corporation (Vectren) and integration, including the outcome of shareholder litigation filed against Vectren that could reduce anticipated benefits of the merger, as well as the ability to successfully integrate the Vectren businesses and to realize anticipated benefits and commercial opportunities; (3) industrial, commercial and residential growth in CenterPoint Energy's service territories and changes in market demand, including the demand for CenterPoint Energy's non-utility products and services and effects of energy efficiency measures and demographic patterns; (4) the outcome of the pending Houston Electric rate case; (5) timely and appropriate rate actions that allow recovery of costs and a reasonable return on investment; (6) future economic conditions in regional and national markets and their effect on sales, prices and costs; (7) weather variations and other natural phenomena, including the impact of severe weather events on operations and capital; (8) state and federal legislative and regulatory actions or developments affecting various aspects of CenterPoint Energy's and Enable's businesses, including, among others, energy deregulation or re-regulation, pipeline integrity and safety and changes in regulation and legislation pertaining to trade, health care, finance and actions regarding the rates charged by our regulated businesses; (9) tax legislation, including the effects of the comprehensive tax reform legislation informally referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (which includes any potential changes to interest deductibility) and uncertainties involving state commissions' and local municipalities' regulatory requirements and determinations regarding the treatment of excess deferred income taxes and CenterPoint Energy's rates; (10) CenterPoint Energy's ability to mitigate weather impacts through normalization or rate mechanisms, and the effectiveness of such mechanisms; (11) the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices, particularly natural gas and coal, and the effects of geographic and seasonal commodity price differentials; (12) actions by credit rating agencies, including any potential downgrades to credit ratings; (13) changes in interest rates and their impact on CenterPoint Energy's costs of borrowing and the valuation of its pension benefit obligation; (14) problems with regulatory approval, legislative actions, construction, implementation of necessary technology or other issues with respect to major capital projects that result in delays or in cost overruns that cannot be recouped in rates; (15) the availability and prices of raw materials and services and changes in labor for current and future construction projects; (16) local, state and federal legislative and regulatory actions or developments relating to the environment, including those related to global climate change, air emissions, carbon, waste water discharges and the handling and disposal of CCR that could impact the continued operation, and/or cost recovery of generation plant costs and related assets; (17) the impact of unplanned facility outages or other closures; (18) any direct or indirect effects on CenterPoint Energy's or Enable's facilities, operations and financial condition resulting from terrorism, cyber-attacks, data security breaches or other attempts to disrupt CenterPoint Energy's businesses or the businesses of third parties, or other catastrophic events such as fires, ice, earthquakes, explosions, leaks, floods, droughts, hurricanes, tornadoes, pandemic health events or other occurrences; (19) CenterPoint Energy's ability to invest planned capital and the timely recovery of CenterPoint Energy's investments, including those related to the generation transition plan; (20) CenterPoint Energy's ability to successfully construct and operate electric generating facilities, including complying with applicable environmental standards and the implementation of a well-balanced energy and resource mix, as appropriate; (21) CenterPoint Energy's ability to control operation and maintenance costs; (22) the sufficiency of CenterPoint Energy's insurance coverage, including availability, cost, coverage and terms and ability to recover claims; (23) the investment performance of CenterPoint Energy's pension and postretirement benefit plans; (24) commercial bank and financial market conditions, CenterPoint Energy's access to capital, the cost of such capital, and the results of CenterPoint Energy's financing and refinancing efforts, including availability of funds in the debt capital markets; (25) changes in rates of inflation; (26) inability of various counterparties to meet their obligations to CenterPoint Energy; (27) non-payment for CenterPoint Energy's services due to financial distress of its customers; (28) the extent and effectiveness of CenterPoint Energy's and Enable's risk management and hedging activities, including but not limited to, financial and weather hedges and commodity risk management activities; (29) timely and appropriate regulatory actions, which include actions allowing securitization, for any future hurricanes or natural disasters or other recovery of costs, including costs associated with Hurricane Harvey; (30) CenterPoint Energy's or Enable's potential business strategies and strategic initiatives, including restructurings, joint ventures and acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses (including a reduction of CenterPoint Energy's interests in Enable, if any, whether through CenterPoint Energy's decision to sell all or a portion of the Enable common units it owns in the public equity markets or otherwise, subject to certain limitations), which CenterPoint Energy and Enable cannot assure will be completed or will have the anticipated benefits to CenterPoint Energy or Enable; (31) the performance of projects undertaken by CenterPoint Energy's non-utility businesses and the success of efforts to realize value from, invest in and develop new opportunities and other factors affecting those non-utility businesses, including, but not limited to, the level of success in bidding contracts, fluctuations in volume and mix of contracted work, mix of projects received under blanket contracts, failure to properly estimate cost to construct projects or unanticipated cost increases in completion of the contracted work, changes in energy prices that affect demand for construction services and projects and cancellation and/or reductions in the scope of projects by customers and obligations related to warranties and guarantees; (32) acquisition and merger activities involving CenterPoint Energy or its competitors, including the ability to successfully complete merger, acquisition and divestiture plans; (33) CenterPoint Energy's or Enable's ability to recruit, effectively transition and retain management and key employees and maintain good labor relations; (34) the outcome of litigation; (35) the ability of retail electric providers (REPs), including REP affiliates of NRG Energy, Inc. and Vistra Energy Corp., formerly known as TCEH Corp., to satisfy their obligations to CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries; (36) changes in technology, particularly with respect to efficient battery storage or the emergence or growth of new, developing or alternative sources of generation; (37) the timing and outcome of any audits, disputes and other proceedings related to taxes; (38) the effective tax rates; (39) the effect of changes in and application of accounting standards and pronouncements; and (40) other factors discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures by CenterPoint Energy in Providing Guidance

In addition to presenting its financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including presentation of income available to common shareholders and diluted earnings per share, CenterPoint Energy also provides guidance based on adjusted income and adjusted diluted earnings per share, which are non-GAAP financial measures. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's historical or future financial performance that excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. CenterPoint Energy's adjusted income and adjusted diluted earnings per share calculation excludes from income available to common shareholders and diluted earnings per share, respectively, the impact of ZENS and related securities and mark-to-market gains or losses resulting from the company's Energy Services business. CenterPoint Energy's guidance for 2019 also does not reflect certain impacts associated with the Vectren merger, which are integration and transaction-related fees and expenses, including severance and other costs to achieve anticipated cost savings as a result of the merger and merger financing impacts in January, prior to the completion of the merger due to the issuance of debt and equity securities to fund the merger that resulted in higher net interest expense and higher common stock share count. CenterPoint Energy is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of forward looking adjusted income and adjusted diluted earnings per share because changes in the value of ZENS and related securities and mark-to-market gains or losses resulting from the company's Energy Services business are not estimable as they are highly variable and difficult to predict due to various factors outside of management's control.  These excluded items, along with the excluded impacts associated with the merger, could have a material impact on GAAP reported results for the applicable guidance period.

Management evaluates the company's financial performance in part based on adjusted income and adjusted diluted earnings per share. Management believes that presenting these non-GAAP financial measures enhances an investor's understanding of CenterPoint Energy's overall financial performance by providing them with an additional meaningful and relevant comparison of current and anticipated future results across periods. The adjustments made in these non-GAAP financial measures exclude items that Management believes does not most accurately reflect the company's fundamental business performance. These excluded items are reflected in the reconciliation tables of this news release, where applicable. CenterPoint Energy's adjusted income and adjusted diluted earnings per share non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, income available to common shareholders and diluted earnings per share, which respectively are the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures also may be different than non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies.