Regulatory Matters (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, Other Disclosures [Abstract]

Allowed Equity Return Not Recognized [Table Text Block]

The recoverable allowed equity return not yet recognized by the Registrants is as follows:

	March 31, 2021						December 31, 2020
	CenterPoint Energy (1)		Houston Electric (2)		CERC (3)		CenterPoint Energy (1)		Houston Electric (2)		CERC (3)
	(in millions)
Allowed equity return not recognized	$	224	$	130	$	13	$	229	$	137	$	13

(1)In addition to the amounts described in (2) and (3) below, CenterPoint Energy’s allowed equity return on post in-service carrying cost generally associated with federally mandated investments in Indiana.

(2)Houston Electric’s allowed equity return on its true-up balance of stranded costs, other changes and related interest resulting from the formerly integrated electric utilities prior to Texas deregulation and certain storm restoration balances expected to be recovered in rates through 2024. 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.

(3)CERC’s allowed equity return on post in-service carrying cost associated with certain distribution facilities replacements expenditures in Texas.

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

The table below reflects the amount of allowed equity return recognized by each Registrant in its Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021						2020
	CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC		CenterPoint Energy		Houston Electric		CERC
	(in millions)
Allowed equity return recognized	$	8	$	7	$	—	$	7	$	6	$	—