Background and Basis of Presentation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Background and Basis of Presentation [Text Block]

Background and Basis of Presentation

General. Included in this Form 10-Q are the Interim Condensed Financial Statements of CERC. The Interim Condensed Financial Statements are unaudited, omit certain financial statement disclosures and should be read with the 2016 Form 10-K.

Background. CERC Corp. is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, a public utility holding company. CERC Corp.’s operating subsidiaries own and operate natural gas distribution facilities, supply natural gas to commercial and industrial customers and electric and natural gas utilities and own interests in Enable as described in Note 7. CERC Corp.’s operating subsidiaries include:

• NGD, which owns and operates natural gas distribution systems in six states; and

• CES, which obtains and offers competitive variable and fixed-price physical natural gas supplies and services primarily to commercial and industrial customers and electric and natural gas utilities in 33 states.

As of March 31, 2017, CERC Corp. also owned approximately 54.1% of the common and subordinated units representing limited partner interests in Enable, which owns, operates and develops natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets.

Basis of Presentation. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

CERC’s Interim Condensed Financial Statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the respective periods. Amounts reported in CERC’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income are not necessarily indicative of amounts expected for a full-year period due to the effects of, among other things, (a) seasonal fluctuations in demand for energy and energy services, (b) changes in energy commodity prices, (c) timing of maintenance and other expenditures and (d) acquisitions and dispositions of businesses, assets and other interests.

For a description of CERC’s reportable business segments, see Note 13.