XML 96 R55.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.19.3.a.u2
Related Party Transactions (Houston Electric and CERC) (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Schedule of Money Pool Investment and Borrowing [Table Text Block]

Houston Electric and CERC participate in a money pool through which they can borrow or invest on a short-term basis. Funding needs are aggregated and external borrowing or investing is based on the net cash position. The net funding requirements of the money pool are expected to be met with borrowings under CenterPoint Energy’s revolving credit facility or the sale of CenterPoint Energy’s commercial paper. 

The table below summarizes money pool activity:
 
December 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
(in millions)
Money pool investments (borrowings) (1)
$
481

 
$
—

 
$
(1
)
 
$
114

Weighted average interest rate
1.98
%
 
1.98
%
 
2.42
%
 
2.42
%

(1)
Included in Accounts and notes receivable (payable)–affiliated companies in Houston Electric’s and CERC’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]
Houston Electric and CERC affiliate-related net interest income (expense) were as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
(in millions)
Interest income (expense), net (1)
$
18

 
$
4

 
$
1

 
$
—

 
$
2

 
$
—


(1)
Interest income is included in Other, net and interest expense is included in Interest and other finance charges on Houston Electric’s and CERC’s respective Statements of Consolidated Income.

Amounts charged for these services are included primarily in Operation and maintenance expenses and amounts billed for natural gas sales are included in Non-utility revenues were as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
(in millions)
Corporate service charges
$
177

 
$
141

 
$
190

 
$
147

 
$
188

 
$
128

Net affiliate service charges (billings)
(8
)
 
8

 
(17
)
 
17

 
(9
)
 
9

Pipeline construction and repair service charges (1)
—

 
4

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Natural gas sales (2)
—

 
1

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—


(1)
Represents charges from Infrastructure Services to CERC’s NGD for the period February 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019.

(2)
Represents sales to Indiana Electric from CES for the period February 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019.

The table below presents transactions among Houston Electric, CERC and their parent, Utility Holding.
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
(in millions)
Cash dividends paid to parent
$
376

 
$
120

 
$
209

 
$
360

 
$
180

 
$
601

Cash contribution from parent
590

 
129

 
200

 
960

 
—

 
38

Capital distribution to parent associated with the Internal Spin (1)
—

 
28

 
—

 
1,473

 
—

 
—


(1)
The capital distribution in 2019 associated with the Internal Spin is a result of the return to accrual for the periods of CERC’s ownership during 2018.