Regulatory Matters (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, Other Disclosures [Abstract]

Amount Allowed equity return recognized in period [Table Text Block]

The timing of CenterPoint Energy’s and Houston Electric’s recognition of the equity return will vary each period based on amounts actually collected during that period. The unrecognized equity return will be recognized as it is recovered in rates through 2024. The actual amounts recognized are adjusted at least annually to correct any over-collections or under-collections during the preceding 12 months.

	Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
	2020				2019				2020				2019
	CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric
	(in millions)
Allowed equity return recognized	$	8	$	8	$	13	$	13	$	14	$	14	$	24	$	24