EX-12 2 ex12.htm COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES ex12.htm
Exhibit 12


CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(Millions of Dollars)

   
        2008 (1)
    
        2009 (1)
  
             
Net Income
   $ 122     $ 67  
Income taxes
     74       48  
Capitalized interest
     (3 )     (2 )
      193       113  
                 
Fixed charges, as defined:
                
                 
Interest
     149       165  
Capitalized interest
     3       2  
Interest component of rentals charged to operating expense
     4       3  
Total fixed charges
     156       170  
                 
Earnings, as defined
   $ 349     $ 283  
                 
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
     2.24       1.66  
 ________
(1)  
Excluded from the computation of fixed charges for both years ended March 31, 2008 and 2009 is interest expense of $2 million, which is included in income tax expense.